In the New Testament, Paul writes a letter to his protege, Timothy. Paul left for Macedonia and Timothy remained in Ephesus to give leadership to the fledgingly church. Specifically, Paul wanted to Timothy to stand guard against teaching that was contrary to the truth of Jesus.

It seems people then were like people now and they loved endless discussions and controversy. Everyone wanted to be the most knowledgeable, have the best spiritual pedigree and wax eloquent about the law of Moses. Paul says this is all worthless and leads to unnecessary speculation and arguments.

There must have been some way that this teaching profited the one teaching for in chapter six, Paul says this:

⁴Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. ⁵These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.

1 Timothy 6:4-5

I find that so interesting. How does godliness lead to wealth? Apparently, there was some benefit to teaching, even when it wasn’t the truth. The danger Paul warned of was false teachers clawing to get rich and doing anything to make it a reality. He encouraged contentment. Contentment that begins with having our most basic needs of food and clothing met.

⁶Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. ⁷After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. ⁸So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

1 Timothy 6:6-8

Is the pursuit of wealth clouding your judgment and threatening to capsize your life? How would the pursuit of godliness and contentment be true wealth?