With these we will be content
With these we will be content
1 Timothy 6:7-8 Paul wisely counsels Timothy to be content with the bare essentials
“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.”
1 Timothy 6:7-8 NASB1995
1 Timothy 6 is the last chapter of Paul’s epistle to Timothy, and covers a variety of topics such as the conduct of Christian slaves, warnings (again!) about those who teach false doctrine, and a heartfelt closing from Paul to his student and friend.
These two verses are Paul’s instruction to Timothy and generations of readers to be content with what you have in life. Paul is absolutely correct — when we are born, we have no material items. Everything we get at that first point in our lives comes from others; perhaps a blanket to be swaddled in, milk from our mothers, and (if we’re blessed by God) shelter from the elements.
Paul is also correct when he points out that we cannot carry anything with us when we die. Even the richest man in the world (as of March 24, Frenchman Bernard Arnault, the CEO of luxury goods conglomerate LVMH) won’t be able to take his riches with him when he passes on. All of his billions mean nothing in the world to come…
The owner of the fancy car parked in front of a Versace retail outlet in today’s picture is probably quite smug with himself or herself. But what good will that car, jewelry, or clothing be to that person when they are dead?
To be content in life, we all need to see our material possessions and resources from an eternal perspective. We can use those resources now for eternal good by using them wisely for God’s glory — feeding the hungry, providing shelter and clothing to the poor, and expanding His kingdom through evangelistic endeavors. Doing those things now in His name sends ahead eternal blessing and reward.
Paul is telling Timothy that when we have the bare essentials — food and clothing — and nothing else, we should and can be content knowing that we have those simple things. He would probably be appalled at our current culture, which constantly tells us that those things we have are not good enough. We are told we need more and more, “better” things than we already have, and that what is old isn’t as good as new.
All of these things work against having a content heart and distract us from focusing on what is truly important from an eternal perspective.
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank You for Paul’s instructions to Timothy that ring true even in today’s world. Impress upon me the truths in today’s verses so that I never forget that I was born with nothing and will take nothing with me when I die. I thank You that by Your grace I have an eternal inheritance that will never fade away, and praise You that in Christ I have all I need for life and godliness. Keep me from being tempted to build an ever-increasing hoard of possessions, and instead use my resources for the good of Your creation. I thank You for all I really need — my salvation and my life in Christ, AMEN.