Economics

Economics demands more than a passing glance these days as the stock market vacillates between stability and depression. Within the last two weeks America has watched the economy plummet drastically. Although government rescue programs constantly surface, the future looks bleak. " Many private economists believe the country will not be able to escape a recession even if the rescue program is successful at getting banks to resume lending" (Associated Press, www.foxnews.com). What does this mean for Christians? How should Christians respond? By examining 1 Timothy 6:6-19 followers of Christ can find important spiritual principles to combat the current economic struggles.

In writing 1 Timothy 6, Paul specifically addresses how Christians should consider money and wealth. He says in verse 10, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Although Paul does not define money as evil, he warns Christians to be careful of its full potential. Continuing on, Paul says, "Some people, eager for money have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" (1 Timothy 6:10). Currently, investors all over America have anxiety and grief because of their ill-placed hope for wealth. Furthermore, Paul dubs desire for wealth as a "temptation and a trap" (1 Timothy 6:9). Based upon these verses, money and wealth have dangerous qualities.

Presenting money in a sinister light, Paul encourages Christians to pursue other things. "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it," Paul observes in verses 6 and 7. Basically, Paul shows the futile end of the pursuit of wealth through this passage. "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness" (1 Timothy 6:8). Through this passage Paul lists the items Christians ought to pursue.

These spiritual ideals of Paul's completely shatter many people's reasoning behind wealth. First, Paul praises contentment. "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:8). Also, Paul commands rich individuals to have humility because God provides for them. Paul says in verse 17, "Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment." Also, Paul encourages financial generosity. "In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life" (Romans 6:19). Ultimately, Paul exhorts the wealthy to invest in heavenly treasure at the expense of earthy riches.

With 1 Timothy 6:6-19 in hand Christians need to understand the characteristics of money. Because of the dangerous potential and spiritual cheapness of money, Christians need to seek contentment. If God blesses some of his children with temporal riches, these individuals have greater earthly responsibility! In essence, the Christian must flee from the love of money and take hold of Christ. Contented Christians know that God "richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment" (1 Timothy 6:17). Therefore, modern Christians must pursue things of spiritual value no matter where the stock market ends up.



Works Cited:
"2008 Budget Deficit Swells to All-Time High," October 14, 2008, < http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/budget-deficit-swells-time-high/>, Oct. 14, 2008.
The Holy Bible, New International Bible, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Corporation, 1991.

(Unless otherwise noted, all verses quoted are from this version.)