THE OTHER HAND

READING: 1 TIMOTHY 6:3-10

Verse 6: “Now godliness with contentment is great gain”

The Book of Proverbs is full of contrasts. Many verses inform us that if you have a certain condition on one hand, then you can expect another condition on the other hand. Such a contrast also exists between verses 6 and 9 of 1 Timothy 6. Verse 9 says “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” First a person is tempted, and then is trapped and held by the temptation. Then, even worse, the temptation also stimulates many other lusts which ultimately cause people to drown in destruction. That means they become so full of destruction there is no room for relief, just like a person drowning in water has no room for air in their lungs. Praise the Lord for the other hand granted in verse 6! Instead of loss and destruction from temptation and lusts, this verse promises that godliness with contentment is great gain. Let’s choose the Lord's hand of blessing! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. What is your attitude about being rich?

2. How would you describe your overall level of contentment?