I Don’t Want To Gain The Whole World

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But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.  For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 1 Timothy 6: 6-10

If you gained the whole world, where would you put it? That was the George Carlin joke from many years ago.

Contentment is one antidote to materialism and greed. I think the other is generosity. Sometimes I feel like I need a bigger house, newer car, this or that. But what I really should pursue is godliness which is better to gain than any earthly possession. In the end (the apostle Paul reminds Timothy) you can’t take it with you. To have a roof over my head and the food needed for me and my family is enough to bring about contentment. Having traveled a good part of the world and visited people with little wealth, I have found this to be true.

I want to be rich in love, friends, family, etc. If worldly riches come my way, I want to be generous. Its very easy for me to get distracted and pursue riches in this amazing free society with opportunities literally abounding. But, I need to check my motivation because greed can lead even a Christian into acts he will later regret because they disgrace the very Lord who called us.

How content am I with what God has provided? Am I trying to gain the whole world at the risk of losing my soul?

God, as this day begins, I see the amazing provision that has come into my life from Your hand, the friends and associates around me, and the enormous opportunities in America. Thank you. May You find me to be generous and content, and beyond that godly. Help me be a support to friends in need today like Freddy, Drew, and Noe. May I give feet to my prayers.

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