by Mike Bennett

In 1 Timothy 6 Paul addresses our attitude and approach to money, possessions and wealth. In verse 5 he mentions some who saw religion as a way to gain wealth—a dangerous, greedy, selfish attitude that Paul warned Timothy to avoid.

Instead, Paul pointed to the truly important “gain”—becoming more like God and living contentedly with what we have. If we learn to be content with the necessities of life—food and clothing (verse 8)—we can avoid the sorrows and pain that can be caused by a burning desire to become rich.

For more about coveting wealth and the antidote of contentment, see our article on the “10th Commandment: You Shall Not Covet.”