Godliness vs. Unwholsomeness Pt. 2

1 Timothy 6:8-11
"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."

A pastor of mine has been known to quote the first of the above four verses saying "food and raiment therewith to be content" when addressing the Christian's relationship to life's necessities. This contentment that is to accompany godliness is an ability to accept the very basics of life and give thanks to God for them, an area where many of us living in an over-developed world are sorely lacking in our character.

We commonly hear that "money is the root of all evil", but of course this is a misquotation. What we must be on guard against however is how quickly one can go from having money to loving it. Money may be in itself just a tool or commodity, but the influence of the powers of darkness in the world quickly breed chrysophilia or the "love of gold".

How true is it today that many have been lured into coveting money and riches and "erred from the faith". We only have to look at the compromise between money-loving cultures and the churches in first world nations to observe this tragedy. Furthermore, the disaster of this path is highlighted by the many sorrows that pierce those who travel it.

Finally we are instructed to flee to the things of God, which eusebeia falls among as we see: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. [Compare with Galatians 5]
By seeking these things for our lives, we might be spared the calamity faced by those who seek more than they require and receive the character of Christ as we walk with our Lord.