31-day Bible study on money (7, continued)

Contentment

More on Philippians 4:11

Craving money can lead down a path that leads to evils that will lead me away from my faith in Christ. Paul encourages Timothy (and me) to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Am I concerned about doing right? Am I more concerned about doing right than I am about earning money? Am I living a godly life? Is my godliness sourced in the Spirit or in my flesh? Am I seeking to strengthen my faith? Do I exhibit faith? Am I availing myself of opportunities to strengthen it? Are all of my interactions with others characterized by love? Am I more motivated by love for God and others than I am by love for myself? Am I characterized by an unchanging devotion to God? Would those who know me say that I am steadfast, unchanging? How do I become more steadfast? Am I gentle or rude?

Having the right perspective on "things" will contribute to contentment. Gaining a right perspective involves endurance (Heb. 10:36), looking forward to the reward ahead with confidence (v. 35) and not shrinking back from public reproach or affliction or failing to identify with those so treated.

I need to live in such a way that my dependence on the Lord is evident. If I am content with what He gives me, then I will not be loving money instead of Him. I need to learn the difference between good stewardship and loving money. When does paying attention to one's finances stop being good stewardship and start being a love of money? What are my motives? What are my determinations?