From time to time we all need to adjust our focus. The demands of each day tend to determine what we think about. For many it is about simply making a living and providing for the family. However, over the years I find that as I apply Biblical principles in the course of my daily life, good things happen. It is known as fruitfulness. In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he focuses on daily living and the trap of greed and pursuit of wealth. Wealth should be a fruit of your walk, not the focus. If your calling demands larger funds, they will come. If your calling requires less funds, don’t expect it. Wealth is to be used as a tool, not as an end. As parents we tend to want to accumulate as much as possible as a financial inheritance for our children when in fact they need to operate in their own fruitfulness, gifts, and calling. When you promote the fact that their inheritance will sustain them, you may do them a great disservice. Don’t get me wrong, helping them fulfill their purpose is a noble action but when they no longer see the need to be productive with their own gifts and calling, they have succumb to the love of money, or greed. Paul states 1 Timothy 6:
6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The pursuit of riches is foolish and harmful. Money is a necessary aspect of operating but focusing on it for the sake of being rich will only lead to destruction and sorrow. In our Census, there have been those who have sent extra coins for others who are not in a financial position to provide a coin. This is how the Body of Christ is to function, each member supplying the Body in its own capability and capacity. They know the source of their supply.
Paul continues:
11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
“Flee these things” is the command. Don’t just casually walk away, turning back with a longing look.
Pursue righteousness: integrity, virtue, purity of life, rightness, correctness of thinking feeling, and acting.
Purse Godliness: reverence and respect for Our Heavenly Father by moving closer to HIM.
Pursue faith: conviction of the Truth, persuaded of the reality that Love prevails, knowing that HIS Word is true and will come to pass.
Pursue Love: the most primary aspect and characteristic of Our Heavenly Father.
Pursue patience: a patient enduring, sustaining, perseverance. Quiet your mind. Quit thinking those thoughts contrary to HIS Word.
Pursue gentleness: mildness, meekness, moderation. Don’t be quick to judge or condemn others who are less mature.
These are actions we can choose to pursue or not. It is our decision.
What is your focus?