Our Focus

Good Morning,

1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 

vs. 9 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”

vs. 10 “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.”

I have noticed among our young people that there is a stronger draw toward healthy lifestyles than when I was young. Young people are drinking water more than soda. Healthier diets are attracting the attention of young families, and exercise has become a big part of the younger culture in America.

Sadly, the desire for godliness is minimal. It seems few of our young people are concerned about teaching the Bible to their children, being involved in the bus ministry, or winning souls with the family. Paul told Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain. Then to make his point clear, he follows it with the evils that come with the desire for financial gain.  (1 Timothy6: 6-10)

Of course, we need to work and provide for our own as the Bible clearly says, but the desire and hunger to “…be rich…” is the great passion of so many today - and that desire is deadly beyond words.

It seems our younger generation values the body much more than the soul. There are bicycle helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, vitamins galore, and every kind of medical, dental, and optical treatment imaginable in the lives of our young people. I have visited the homes of young couples who are raising children, and sadly, I have not noticed God.

To spend a few hours in a home and never see a Bible, a Bible verse in a picture on the wall, or have no conversation regarding spiritual matters seems as if God is tragically missing, while the spirit of the entrepreneur lives and prospers.   I have noticed that contentment is missing too.

In Matthew 6, our Saviour warned his followers to be careful about seeking the same lifestyle that their unsaved friends seek.

Matthew 6:32 “For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.”

vs. 33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

I hope my grandchildren find good careers, find a good spouse, raise good children, and have happy homes. More than all of that, I long for my children and grandchildren to know God and to please Him – that is our purpose on earth!  What is the point of houses and lands, cars and comforts, and vacations and travel if God is not pleased, and if we do not know Him?

Are we raising fools? God very clearly called some people fools. The man who prospered so much that he had nowhere to keep his harvest was a fool if he was not rich toward God.

Luke 12:19 “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”

vs. 20 “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”

To seek after wealth and earthly treasures, yet have nothing intimate between you and God is as foolish as a person can be.

Luke 12: 21 "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

I want my family to have skill sets that make them useful to society, but far more, I want them to know God. It was not a Harvard business degree that gave Solomon his wisdom, nor was it wise investments in the stock market that gave Abraham his riches. These men gained what they gained because they knew the ONE Who provided for the needs of their families.

With the presence of God comes contentment, peace, and purpose. Most importantly, when we seek God first, we please Him. It is God Who made us. It is God with Whom we will spend eternity. It is God Who holds the kingdoms in his hand, and it is He Who provides peace and contentment or allows strife and dissension. SEEK GOD! 

Pastor