If you have ever watched Christian TV, chances are you have seen televangelists asking for money — sowing a seed gift of $7, $70, or $7000 will multiply your blessings because after all, God wants you to be rich! The stories of excess are crazy. Spiritual leaders who have built empires and scored millions in houses, cars, clothes, and travel on the faithful gifts of many people who will never fathom living in such luxury. St. Paul says of these “leaders,” that “Think religion is way to make a fast buck…. and if it is money that these leaders are after, they will self destruct. Lust for money brings trouble…and going down that path, some will lose their footing in the faith completely and later live to regret it” (vs 5, 9-10). A quick Google search will yield sad stories of the rise to fame, power, and wealth and the dramatic falls of many leaders of faith over the years. Many are still out there, fleecing people with empty promises and emotional manipulation.
In verses 6-8, St. Paul states that a life of devotion and contentment does bring wealth, but it is “the rich simplicity of being yourself before God.” After all, he says, we came into this world without a penny and it is certain that we will not take a penny with us as we leave it (although many have tried). If we have a roof overhead, bread on our table, a shirt on our back, and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.
He gives Timothy advice in verses 11-12 — because there is a temptation for riches when you get into a place of leadership. He says, run for your life from all of this (chasing after wealth)! Pursue a life of righteousness — following what is right and good. Pursue a life of “wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy. Run hard and fast in the faith. Fight the good fight! Seize eternal life, that life you were called to, that life that you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.” In verses 17-19, St. Paul goes on to advise Timothy to tell those who are so rich with the wealth of the world, who have surrounded themselves with luxury and the trappings of “the good life” essentially to quit being so hedonistic — living for themselves, and to stop being so obsessed with money. After all, he says, money is fleeting. It’s here one moment and gone the next. Instead, chase after Christ who “piles on all the riches we could ever imagine.” Do good to others — this is true wealth: helping others, being extravagantly generous, and being a conduit of blessing. As it comes in, you just pass it along! Paul says, if you live this way… oh the lasting treasury you will have! “You gain a life that TRULY is a life!”
He closes with this thought in vs 20-21: Guard the treasure you were given… with your life! “Avoid talk-show religion and the practiced confusion [and manipulation] of the so-called religious experts.” People caught up in a show can miss the whole point of the simplicity of the faith.
The simplicity of the faith is this: Love God. Love others. Give generously. Show kindness. You are conduits of blessings — like St. Luke says in 6:38, “Given and it shall be given back to you; a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” That’s the space I want to live in; the way I want to practice my faith.