False Teachers and True Contentment
Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
Paul’s letter to Timothy is loaded with an abundance of information.
Has my Lord Jesus Christ ever said anything to me that is not written in the bible? Yes He has but those things He has said to me are not a teachable moment. They were personal corrections about unacceptable behaviors. Is it possible that others might make the same mistakes that I have made? Sure but confession of condition is not a teachable moment.
Are there things in this reading that I believe others are guilty of committing against sound doctrine? Sure but I am not their conscience nor their Lord and to stand against them would cause dissension in the ranks.
The body of Christ should be about unity and not division. Paul said in verse 6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain,” What I gain by any godly action is peace with God because in those moments He does not have to chastise me.
Hebrews 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
Disciplines come less often but I still get disciplined, which I deserved and I embrace them. They say He loves me.
We all want to be loved. Don’t we?