In 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Paul writes this:
"But godliness with
contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and
it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let
us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation
and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men
in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all
evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
Obviously in
our time and place, Twenty-first Century America, we have much more than
that. But even in the time that the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write
these instructions to Christians, people would usually have more than
food and clothing, too. So I wonder how this command -- "be content with
food and clothing" -- was understood when it was written, but also what
this says to us today, in the American church.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus of course taught this (Matthew 6):
26
Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap,
nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not
much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
30
Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is,
and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O
ye of little faith?
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
34
Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take
thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil
thereof.
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