6-8A devout life does bring wealth, but it's the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that's enough.
9-10But if it's only money these leaders are after, they'll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after. (The Message)
What is enough? It is a question that we ask in many different ways and the answer often changes depending upon our circumstances. Our usual answer is, a little bit more, because we are never quite content with what we have. It could be that we think we will be happy with a little bigger home or a little more spending money or a few more toys. But each time we get these things we are faced with the question again. What is enough?
Paul's wisdom to Timothy confronts the issue of wealth and changes the context from money to personal fulfillment. Paul is encouraging Timothy to focus upon being completely whole before God as the way of knowing what is enough. If the focus is upon money we will never have enough if our focus is upon God what we have will be enough.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What do you think would have been considered enough in Paul's day?
- What do you consider to be enough?
- What does being yourself before God look like to you?
- How might you focus more upon being complete in God and less upon the stuff in your life?
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