John Shirk – In the Year of Redemption, today’s Freedom Phrase is based on First Timothy 6:6.
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Materialism is not just a spiritual battle in our culture today. It was a struggle in the early church too. Paul the Apostle pointed out that “some people, eager for money, wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” Then he turned to Timothy and said, “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
It will be much harder to say “No” to something that is bad for us unless we say “Yes” to something that is good for us. The pursuit of godliness helps us to overcome an unhealthy attachment for material things. We will learn to find our ultimate joy in knowing Jesus and developing the qualities of His character.
Through Jesus, we are set free from materialism to enjoy godly contentment.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Eye on Integrity is based on First Timothy 6, verses 10 and 11.
The Apostle Paul wrote these words to a young church leader named Timothy: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.”
Money has the potential to lead us astray if the treasures of this world become the pursuit of our heart. If Paul was warning a church leader about the dangers of loving money too much, then his words are worth heeding for us. Godliness has greater value than money. That is why Paul urges Timothy to run from the pursuit of material wealth and pursue the richness of knowing Christ. Flowing out of that relationship will be the building of character qualities with great value.
Walking in pursuit of godliness is a virtue to embrace for our lives in the Year of Integrity.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
