Faith And Money

​1 Timothy 6: 3 – 19.
 
The issue with money, and therefore, wealth, is of particular importance to believers as our spirituality and relationship with our Lord may be impacted by it, at times unconsciously. In this passage of the Apostle Paul’s First Letter to Timothy, he curiously aggregated the potential snare of riches, together with those paddling questionable religious doctrines and who would interminably debate and dispute on controversial questions (1Tim 6:3-10). Not unlike the first century, money remains a customary driver for influence even within our present ecclesial environment, and when used in a questionable manner, it muddies motives and allegiances. By and large, we are habitual in our giving and our clockwork tithing somehow acts as a salve to our conscience. But the fact that God may desire us to give beyond the norm seems elusive in our consideration. What were Paul’s thoughts on it?
 
He began by stating that “godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment” (1Tim 6:6; c.f., Phil 4:11-13), but we know that contentment is often transient, when we become fixated within our own comfort zones especially in monetary matters. Our acquisitive consumerism, and possibly, a lack of personal security, inevitably militate against our desire for contentment. When we are most likely guided by a comparative materialism with our peers and others, we tend to desire to accumulate more possessions or money. But if we are satisfied with our material status irrespective of wealth or poverty, then we would probably be contented! However, that was not Paul’s drift. Can we live reasonably contented in life notwithstanding our circumstances? Paul informed us that material things are transitory and since we brought nothing into this world, so we cannot take anything out of it either (1Tim 6:7; c.f., Job 1:21). The point being, they are not necessities compared to basic food and clothing for a start (1Tim 6:8), and although what may be categorised as necessities varies within each culture, society, and individual to desire anything else beyond them could lead us to the edge of danger: greed (1Tim 6:9-10). 
 
For those with a loving fear of God and a desire to be Christlike, the Apostle advised that it is inadequate to just stay away from sinful desires (like setting their hearts on riches), but they should arduously pursue after the various godly virtues of righteousness, faith, love, etc (i.e., just a shortlist is quoted by Paul; 1Tim 6:11-12). The reason for practicing faithfully these desirable qualities is to assist us to focus on Christ, and to faithfully follow His example until He returns one day (1Tim 6:13-16). When we faithfully pursue Christ daily, being His disciples, His Holy Spirit will transform our hearts, renewing us towards good works, and endears us to things eternal (c.f., Matt 6:33; Phil 3:20; Phil 4:8; Col 3:1-11; Heb 12:2). Salvation, after all, is much more than being rescued from the jaws of hell, it is a dynamic transformative process where being in a vibrant relationship with Yahweh, prepares us to live eternally in His realm as we transit from this life. 
 
Paul then turned towards the wealthier segment of the congregation (1Tim 6:17-19) and instructed Timothy to school the members not to be snobbish and selfish with what they possessed, since their hope towards the impermanence of riches is contrary with their identity in Christ. They were charged to be grateful to God Who is the One Who had provided everything for them to enjoy. The important cardinal principles of the Christian faith are servanthood and selflessness (c.f., Rom 14:8; Gal 2:20; Phil 1:21), and since all good gifts come from God, what we possess do not belong to us, as we only hold them in trust in the duration of our life here on earth. This is always challenging for us as our ingrained human insecurities propel us towards our individualistic, and often selfish, excesses. Therefore, our hope and security are never dependent on the amount of money we have in the bank, but in God Himself. Being transformed to be Christlike is to be sensitive to the needs of others around us, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share. Let us not forget that giving is considered as an act of worship (c.f., 2 Cor 9; Malachi 3: 8 – 10, Prov 3: 9). Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Perhaps our toughest encounter is to question our own secure foundation in Christ, Who bought us with His own blood! (1Cor 6:19-20).