ESOCS Devotional 11 March 2022
TEXT: 1 TIMOTHY 6:9-12
MEMORY VERSE: “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” 1 Timothy 6: 9 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
A basic lesson from our text is Paul’s exhortation to young Timothy to guard his motives. This applies to us all, especially today when the get-rich-quick syndrome has become the order of the day. Despite almost overwhelming evidence to the contrary, most people still believe that money brings happiness. In chasing riches, many people are caught in an endless cycle that only ends in ruin and destruction.
What does Paul mean by “the love of money”? Does he mean that it is wrong to make money or enjoy material things? No! In summary, he was saying that the desire for money has the potency to deceive and ultimately destroy (if making money is done ungodly).
Paul outlined a three step process: (1) The desire for money – want to get rich and love of money. (2) The deception of money – snare and wander away. (3) The destruction caused by money – ruin and destruction, away from the faith and pierced with many pangs. In summary, the desire draws you in; the deception gets you comfortable and oblivious to the danger; the destruction polishes you off.
How can we keep away from the love of money? Paul gave some guidelines: (1) Realize that one day, riches will all be gone (vs. 7, 17). (2) Be godly and contented with what you have (v 8). (3) Make money in a godly way. (4) Do not love money more than God and things of God.
We should honor God and center our lives on Him (Matthew 6:33). Let us be wise now.
- Are you confused regarding the godly way to make wealth?
- Ask God for direction.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Proverbs 10: 22, 13:11, 30:7-9; 16: 8; Jeremiah 17:11; Romans 9:16
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ESOCS Devotional 11 March 2022
