1 Timothy 6, 6 – 10
Something to think about
Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment; for we brought nothing into the world, so that we can take nothing out of it; but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains. New Revised Standard Version
For the King James Version click here.
Something to think about
If only we were content with clothing. Nowadays despite an ever growing ethical fashion business, cheap throwaway fashion is in. Not this year’s colour? Well replace it for a couple of quid from down the high street. Feeling a bit down? Well get some retail therapy and buy a "new you" at the out of town complex. We always want more and we are getting better and better at justifying it. "Because I’m worth it."
Our desires are seriously getting out of hand now. It seems a shame when at the same time debt is crippling so many. The problem is our need for more and our insistence that our self worth can be built up by money makes it even harder on the poor.
By the same token, Jesus didn’t tell us to live in sack cloth and certainly seemed to have fun in his life. At the wedding in Cana, he produced wine rather than telling them to make do with water. . .There are ways and means to feel good without wreaking havoc on our finances or indeed the planet.
Something to do
Instead of going out and buying a new wardrobe, consider having a clothes swapping party.
Something to pray
Dear God, help me be satisfied and content with all that I have. Help me to move from the addiction of more. Help to have the honesty to admit when I have enough.
Today's daily reading was provided by Charlotte Haines Lyon.