Making money in the Lord’s service.

I’m off track when I view godliness as a path to wealth. Over the years charlatans exploited the faithful in order to get rich. TV preachers being the most famous, but before televangelists came sellers of get-out-of-purgatory indulgences and hawkers of enhanced prosperity (with a large enough donation).

Paul addressed this foolishness. He wrote of people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. Paul then countered, godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

Contentment results from first loving God and loving others. A spirit at ease forms as I meditate on the fact that all I have comes from the hand of God. He gives me enough—more than enough, in fact. Food, clothing and a roof over my head meets my needs. Throw in a hot shower and I’m in the bonus. As I learn to grasp what is enough, I’m on the path to peace of mind. A quiet heart leads to a tranquil mindset and a good night’s sleep.

But how to foster such an attitude in a world committed to making me feel unsatisfied? Turn off my screens, take a walk, breath deep and ask the Lord for his peace that surpasses understanding. Such a gift truly is great gain.

1 Timothy 6:5-6

Photo by kerry rawlinson