GPS Guide – November 12, 2018

OWN IT – THE TITHE

Monday

Read: 1 Timothy 6:7-19

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever.  Amen.  Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. (NIV 1 Timothy 6:7-19)

Study: The apostle Paul wrote to his protégé Timothy that the truest measure of the good life is not material, but spiritual. He didn’t want the often short-lived joys of material wealth to blind Timothy or the members of his church to God, “who richly provides” for our well-being. Then as now, even some Christians placed their hope first on their financial wealth.

Prayer: God, give me a clear vision of what is truly life. Give me the courage and moral strength to pull free of the false ideas of life that would enslave me and lead me away from you.  Amen