Contentment In God Is Great Gain
BRD REFLECTIONS:
1 Timothy 6 and Psalm 89:30-52 (NIV)
(Lim Swee Kim, DISCIPLE leader)
READ
1 Timothy 6 forewarns us of the pitfalls in life like false teachers and our human weakness towards money. These nuggets are still relevant and useful.
We too can learn from Paul in 1 Timothy 6:20-21; “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.”
OBSERVE:
People may tell us foolish and silly information. These are usually jokes for entertainment, to break the ice and meant to be forgotten. But we are only able to discern the truth when we are equipped with God’s commandments and teachings. Thus with knowledge from the Holy Bible, we can be better equipped to discern right from wrong and take appropriate action.
I have walked down a few wrong paths during my lifetime because I was not equipped to discern good from bad, right from wrong. Thankfully with God’s love, I have returned to the right paths. These painful experiences taught me painful but good lessons which helped me grow.
During such “detours”, I have felt lost and disengaged from others. . But this is not the life God intended for me. Thus, whenever I feel this way, I shall reach out to our brothers and sisters for fellowship and support. For God’s family, our Wesleyan community, is truly a healing place where all can find refuge and strengthen our relationships with our Lord who is our strength and shield (Psalm 28:7).
APPLY:
Some people, for the love of money, have wandered down wrong paths and experienced pain. Do note it is not money that is bad; but the love of money which can be the root of evil, wreaking havoc in our lives.
So let us flee from false teachings, and the love of money to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (v11).
DO:
1 Timothy 6:12: “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
So I shall always cling to God’s love for me and let Him lead me down the right paths. I shall seek God and wait upon Him for guidance. God gives life to everything (v13), and I shall receive gratefully and responsively.
PRAY:
Our beloved Father, we praise you and love you for all that you have done for us, and we seek you for forgiveness and guidance as we continue our journey here on earth. There is so much going on around us and it does get very difficult for us to discern what is right and what is wrong. We ask for your protection over us, our loved ones and community, as we venture down the paths which we have chosen with your guidance and blessings. Praise you Lord for your love and wisdom for your people. Amen.
