If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Prayer
God, I think the best thing I can pray in regards to a passage like this, is how Jesus taught the tax collector to pray: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I’d like to think I’m not any of these things, but I know, even if I’m not now, I could certainly become one pretty easy. Forgive me when I have those thoughts. Beat the pride and arrogance out of me. Beat the love of stuff and money out of me. Cultivate an attitude of godliness with contentment and a mindset of food and clothing is plenty. Be patient with me until your pounding is complete. Thank you, Lord, for loving me enough to discipline your son. Amen.
