Godliness for great gain

1 Timothy 6:

 ³If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, ⁴ he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. ⁶ But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. ⁸ If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.¹¹ But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.

What stood out to me as I read this portion of 1 Timothy, which again came from the daily reading in the One Year Bible, was the often misquoted "money is the root of all evil". Saying that not only edits Pauls words changing the meaning of what he says. It also takes the statement out of context, which can also change the meaning of what is being said. Paul is giving instruction to Timothy here about those who minister. He is warning that there are some who want to get rich through ministry. Keep in mind Paul is an advocate of those in ministry recieving support for their minstry. In the previous chapter of 1Timothy 5:17-18, he says,

¹⁷ The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.”

Here's the difference in what Paul says here," men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. ⁶ But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. ⁸ If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction."

It's really a matter of the heart, Paul says on one hand that godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. This  aligns well with the psalmist in Psalm 37

³ Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. ⁴ Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 

On the other hand, those who are not God centered, but rather self centered seeking personal gain and material riches, do not have a heart after God. Their motives will absolutely cloud their judgment, leading them into temptation and snares. The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil. Jesus taught this same truth.

Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

We serve the one we love and wealth will be a wicked taskmaster. 

As Paul is speaking this warning regarding those who minister it is certainly something we should be aware of with any ministry we follow or attach ourselves to. Is the heart focus of the ministry to build that ministry or to advance the kingdom of God. Again every minister of the gospel needs financial support, I am not saying they should not ask for it. But when it becomes apparent that their is extreme excess in lifestyle and focus, we should at least be watchful. God alone can judge the heart of individuals, we should only look with discernment at the fruit. Again does it build the kingdom  of God, or create and exhalt it's own kingdom 

In closing, though the context of Paul's writing here is about those who minister, we all do well to check our hearts and motives around this truth concerning the love of money. It's not about how much or how little we have. It's about how much of us it has. How much of what we do is centered on gaining and spending money. Godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. In many ways the contentment itself is the gain.  If we have food and covering, (with Christ), in these we shall be content.

Heavenly father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit thank You that in You I have all I need. Help me each day to guard my heart against the love of money. Give me wisdom and discernment about the ministries I follow and support. I ask You to bless the work of each ministry focused on advancing Your kingdom. Bless both the minstry and the ministers, that they may continue in Your work. Holy Spirit keep us from temptation, from the love of money.