Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. 1 Timothy 6:6-7
Twenty five years ago on this day in history, May 25, 1994, George Swanson got his last request. The 71-year-old man requested to be buried after he died in his 1984 Chevy Corvette. It was this day that his wife placed his ashes in the seat of his white Corvette and he was lowered down in a cemetery by crane and interned in the earth. His wife later said, "George always said he lived a fabulous life, and he went out in a fabulous style," she went on to add, "You have a lot of people saying they want to take it with them. He took it with him." https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/pennsylvania-man-buried-with-his-beloved-corvette George's widow went to great lengths to get approval for this to be done so she could send her husband out in style.
This bizarre story makes us ask the question, "Was it really worth it?" Was it worth the time and the expense that they went through for George to try to keep his favorite possession? The Bible makes this clear that we came into this world with nothing and we can't take anything with us when we die. That is why the Bible encourages us to find our satisfaction and meaning in Him. In writing to his apprentice, Timothy, the Apostle Paul makes the statement, "Godliness with contentment itself is great wealth." Money can't buy happiness, purpose, or meaning. This great gain can only be found in a relationship with God. We find contentment, not when we have more stuff, but when we are thankful for what God has blessed us with already.
Think about all the blessings that you have right now. You may have a smartphone, computer, or you have some way to read this devotional which makes you highly privileged by the world's standards. You have the freedom to access the Internet, which only 56.1% of people on this planet have. You have the opportunity to worship God freely every weekend with us at church while there are 38 countries around the world that violate standards for religious freedom. 80% of people on this planet live on less than $10.00 a day, which is probably how much you will spend at a fast food restaurant. We are so blessed! We have to see all that God has given us and live filled with gratitude.
Though people try, we can't take anything with us after we die. We have to make the most of this one shot that we have in life. A life that pursues a rich relationship with God will always satisfy over earthly possessions.
Write out a list of all the things that God has blessed you with. Work through each one after you are done and say, "thank You" to God. One of the things on your list should be the freedom that you have to worship. You have been given a gift to attend church and to gather to worship together. We hope to see you this weekend! Come ready to be grateful with us for all that God has done!
Read 1 Timothy 6:3-10 (NLT)
Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
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