In Paul’s description of the fact that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, there is a truth that can so easily be overlooked. We read his words and compare ourselves to the wealth of those in Palm Beach and then conclude that what is said has little to do with us.
Look at the context of Paul’s words in the sixth chapter of First Timothy. The chapter begins by describing those false teachers who were the source of envy and strife in the church. They were filled with pride, and it was manifested in the arguments they were using. Paul indicates that they were using religion as an avenue to get rich (v. 2-5).
Paul then sets the record straight with a simple statement, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain” (v. 6). The treasures that really matter are not those investments we make on this earth. Jesus said, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:19-20). The world believes that gaining possessions on the earth is the purpose of life. Those who are godly believe that great gain that is found above us, not around us!
To see why this is obviously true read what Paul says in verse seven. “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain, we can carry nothing out.” This truth is reflected in Job, whose possessions are described as the greatest of all the people of the East (Job 1:3). He lost it all and reflected, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord’ (Job 1:21). His life so vividly describes the truth that true wealth is not found in the abundance of our possessions. It comes with godly contentment in our lives.
However, let us not overlook the fact that this truth is not just for those who are rich. Look carefully again at Paul’s words to Timothy. His words are written to those “who desire to be rich,” not just to those who are rich. Those who may have very little, compared to those who live in grandeur, can “…fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (v. 9). These words apply as much to those in West Palm Beach as to those in Palm Beach!
Money does not necessarily corrupt, but when one’s life consists only of gain, it destroys godliness. The lack of money is not the source of all evil—it is the love of money that corrupts. Mediate on what Paul says about having godliness with contentment and the great gain that awaits us. Abraham, Joseph, David and many others were wealthy, but they were not any “richer” than the beggar, Lazarus. Think about this!