Morning Moments

1 Timothy 6:7-8 (KJV)
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

We are all different, but when we are born, we are all born the same – in our birthday suits – naked, nude, and bare. That is how all come into this world. When our children were born, dad’s did not get to “sit in” on the delivery. In fact, when our first son was born I could only see him twice a day, and to hold him I had to have a cap, gown, and mask. My how things have changed. But they all still come out naked, bringing nothing with them – no exceptions.

I have witnessed many burials. I have seen folk laid to rest in suits, pajamas, shorts, and everything imaginable. I have seen loved ones place some strange things in caskets, from CDs to personal notes to favorite personal items. I have seen them cremated, embalmed, autopsied, and without embalming. BUT all had once thing in common – they took nothing with them. Whatever fortune might have been amassed along the way got left behind for someone else. They carried NOTHING out with them.

So, Paul says, you arrival and departure being equal, be satisfied that you had food and clothing along the way. Be godly, content, and thankful. You may have lots or you may have little. In the full scheme of things it doesn’t really matter. BE SPIRITUAL and BE SATISFIED.

6:9-10
9 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.
10 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.

What’s wrong with having money? Nothing as long as the money doesn’t have you. The “will to be” conveys the idea of a driving desire for wealth with which brings with it traps and tests one might otherwise not have to face. This driving desire for wealth has led this country into such a quest for power and possessions that has eroded the very core of our existence. The desire to have more has led us into credit card disaster, shady business deals, exploitation of others, and so much more.

Money itself is merely a means of exchange, so it is not money that is the root of all evil, but the love of it and the craving for it. If one sees money as the means of helping others rather than hurting others, it is a good thing. Let’s face it, we all need money to live, but we don’t need as much as we have come to believe we need. It can be a substitute for dependence upon God.

This unlawful and ungodly craving for money destroys families, friendship, and can lead one to a place of denying one’s need for God and rejecting His salvation, which is final destruction and perdition.

Use money, but don’t let it use you. Do not be deceived by prosperity and possessions. One can lose it much more quickly than one can gain it.

BLESSINGS!