I love the books of 1 and 2 Timothy. As a young man, who has a lot to learn, I enjoy reading what advice Paul gave to Timothy under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is not just information that Timothy needed to know, but it is information we need to know, too.
In 1 Timothy 6, Paul is telling Timothy of false teachers. Those who preach a false gospel, where they are only interested in feeding their selfish, carnal cravings. Paul then encourages Timothy to be content. The reader is reminded in verse 7 that “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” He then tells the reader that love for things like money can destroy a man.
As Christians living in a place like America, it is the cultural norm to love money, to work to obtain wealth. In fact, a sad reality is that there are many who would be unwilling to give up their jobs, their houses, their toys, in order to pursue what God is calling them to. It is not normal. Our society places too much of an emphasis on material things. All that we have, the jobs we have, the houses we live in (or built), the cars we drive, the families we have, they are gifts given to us by God. They do not belong to us, they belong to God.
Paul tells Timothy to flee these things (the love of temporal material things), instead he was urged to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness” (v.11). All these qualities are found when we are content with what we have and pursue God. May I encourage you to stop trying so hard to obtain more and more on this earth. We are never promised another day, and when all is said and done, you will not be taking any material thing with you into eternity. Be content with what God has given you. Take a moment to thank Him for what you do have, and seek to pursue Him. Do not waste time trying to get the things that will perish, run after that which lasts for eternity. There is eternal life found in Christ. Pursue Him, all for His glory.