( Part 2)
“6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 9 But people who long to be rich (not satisfied) fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”-1 Timothy 6:6-10
In Paul’s letter to his spiritual son Timothy, Paul echoed the same sentiment about contentment that we read in Philippians 4. True biblical contentment cannot be separated from our relationship and trust in God. It is that relationship that makes us rich beyond measure. That is how Paul learned to be content. He prioritized the value of His relationship with Christ. Sometimes he had more. Sometimes he had less, but he always had Christ.
Although, we all ought to learn what it means to be content. We should not let that curb our generosity.
4 Even so, you have done well to share with me in my present difficulty.15 As you know, you Philippians were the only ones who gave me financial help when I first brought you the Good News and then traveled on from Macedonia. No other church did this. 16 Even when I was in Thessalonica you sent help more than once. 17 I don’t say this because I want a gift from you. Rather, I want you to receive a reward for your kindness. 18 At the moment I have all I need—and more! I am generously supplied with the gifts you sent me with Epaphroditus. They are a sweet-smelling sacrifice that is acceptable and pleasing to God. 19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”-Philippians 4:14-19
Although contentment is what we practice in our own hearts, generosity is what we should practice towards others. Paul recognized that God rewards kindness and generosity towards others. Rather than adopt a “People should just be content with what they have” attitude, we should embrace a “Let’s sow seeds to meet needs” mentality.
Our giving isn’t going to make anyone more or less content. If Christ isn’t their source, then having more could be more crippling than not having anything.
Generosity is rooted in being content with what we have been given and trusting that as we are generous in helping others, He will continuously be our source.
Scott Burr
Dayspring Community Church
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