Money is not the root of all evil. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, though (1 Tim 6:10). There is no financial quid pro quo for godliness. Serving God does not guarantee wealth to anyone. Does anyone wonder, “Then what is the point of being godly?” Paul explains that godliness with contentment is great gain.
Are we content in Christ? Being a Christian does not pay our bills or put food on the table. On the other hand, wealth does not give us happiness and peace. Chuck Swindoll famously said, “I have never seen a U-Haul behind a hearse.” One friend who heard this proposed to get a U-Haul trailer, take it to a funeral home and park it behind the hearse to take a selfie. Humor aside, we brought nothing with us into the world and we will take nothing out of it.
How much is enough? Paul says food and clothing are enough to be content. Albert Schweitzer was once criticized for having only one necktie. A friend compared him to another who had 100 neckties. Albert said, “He has 100 neckties, but only one neck?!” What difference does it make? The desire for wealth can be a gateway sin into all kinds of other harmful desires. Today, let us find our satisfaction in Christ alone.