THROWING CAUTION TO THE WINDS

1Timothy 6:6 "  But godliness with contentment is great gain."
       The word contentment as used in this biblical  text is the Greek word 'autarkeia' and it means ;self-satisfaction, competence,  sufficiency. This word has been wrongly interpreted to mean satisfaction with poverty by many religious scholars and has given room to the abuse of women in the church. Married women some of whom were well to do before marriage, have been drawn into a life of squalor sanctioned by a religious theology that teaches that God is pleased with His children being poor.
        There is only one way to please the father and it is through our faith in His word.  The scriptures says in Hebrews 11:6  "But without faith it is impossible to please  him: for he that cometh  to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that  diligently seek him." and Romans 1:17 "For therein is the righteousness  of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live  by faith". Faith is the password or authorization needed to obtain anything from God. Therefore, whatever lack we suffer isn't from God but the limitations created as a result of the lack of faith.
        Faith places a demand on God’s people,  it requires a corresponding work , for faith without work is dead ( James 2:17) .God wants to supply all our need if we have the faith to receive them. The grace of God has given us access to all His provisions, because He does not want us to suffer any lack (Psalm 23:1) He desires that we receive more than what we ask for so that we can be of help to other's and contribute to missionary activities. The scriptures says in 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 MSG
"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."  This is what it means by contented by God's standard . It doesn't mean barely getting by . God throws caution to the winds when it comes to providing for His people only if they have faith to receive and do what faith demands.
       As a principle ,faith demands that for every money we receive, we should save and invest some, give some out for benevolence and missionary activities and use the rest for our comfort and pleasure. This is important in maintaining stability in a marriage,business,ministry and relationship.  Life is in phases  and growth in faith in stages , the scriptures says in Mark 4:20 "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred". This tells us that what a person receives is in accordance to the measure of their faith which in turn is determined by their capacity to distribute wealth .  God’s grace is progressive, from 30%,60%and 100% return on our faith investment. Some persons believe they aren't righteous enough to receive a hundred percent of their expectations, therefore if they could be given 30 % by God it will be ok, after all "something is better than nothing" . This thinking is only ok as long as we don't become envious of the fellow that was able to have faith for 100%  returns on their faith investment.
      A contented life requires that we accept in faith with thanksgiving and humility that which God in His wisdom and grace provides for us. This is possible as long as we do not see money as our source of security.  Money cannot buy true love. It doesn’t guarantee the security and stability of a marriage or relationship only God can, therefore, we are expected to learn how to be contented. Over 99% of marital problems from  inability to be married to marital instabilities are caused by the love for money, The scriptures says in 1 Timothy 6:7, 9-10 NLT "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. 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." If the difficulties in getting married or remaining in a marriage  are  evil occurrences then the love of money is behind both evils. Couples that have trained themselves on the principles of faith which makes it possible to acquire things without money , are happier than those who must pay every thing.  The spinster who can go on a date without making material wealth such a big deal is most likely to get married ( Isa.4:1). Faith teaches that your spouse isn't your meal ticket, God is ,this way of  thinking gives dignity to a relationship.
      Happiness in a marriage or relationship isn't determined by one's possession but rather placing too much value on what one own's destroys homes (Luke12:15) .Life has more value than material things, the rich fool stored up things for himself but was not rich toward God and died because of it (Luke12 :16-21). Many rich persons are struggling with terminal diseases because of their uncontrollable cravings for wealth at the detriment of a wholesome relationship with God.The pursuit of riches destroys the health and frustrates a marriage through prolonged absenteeism (Prov.23:4-5) We shouldn’t allow our cravings for wealth frustrate our spiritual growth (Mark 4:7,18-20) but treasure spiritual heavenly goals (Mark 6:19-21) . We should seek God first and not status in society ( luke9:46-48). It is better to be known for wisdom than for riches (Prov.16:16-17) society has no regards for rich fools. In pride kimg Hezekiah displayed his earthly wealth and was judged by God for it( 2Kings 20:12-19).  Gehazi tried obtaining wealth through false pretences  and was punished for it (2kings5:19-27) The earth is the lord’s and He will not share His glory with any man. We are admonished to keep trusting in God and keep loving each other regardless of our economic situation( Hab.3:17-19) . Our primary goal in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecc.12:13-14) As you read this receive grace for contentment and peace in Jesus name.
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