1 TIMOTHY 6:5: “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.”

OBSERVATION: I will never forget an experience I had at the movie theatre. I was by myself waiting for the movie to start. In front of me were two men who were talking quite loudly. They were talking about church. As a pastor, I could not help but tune in to what they were saying. One of the men said,

“I don’t like church. The only thing they ever talk about is money!”

I wanted to chime in, but it was not my conversation. As I thought about what the one man said, I must admit there is a great deal of truth to his statement. While it is not an excuse to neglect the gathering of the saints, it is worth consideration and a call to check my heart.

My favorite TV show genre is police drama. I love the mystery of unraveling the details of a crime and discovering the true culprit. One of the major themes used over and over again is, ‘Follow the money!‘ When the detectives follow the money, they usually find their suspect.

What happens in the church when we follow the money? Paul suggests that we will find the true motives of those in leadership and those who are following. Paul says, “To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.” In other words, follow the money! Their emphasis on money will reveal the true motive of their heart.

The TV is filled with preachers who talk more about money than about the Cross for our Lord Jesus Christ. Money, especially money given to their ministry, is a sign of the believer’s faith, not their godly surrender and Christ-like character. No matter what they are preaching, it always pivots to money!

I could go on and on analyzing these false teachers, but I would rather turn my focus to Jesus Christ. Paul exhorts Timothy to do the same!

“If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved. Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life.“ (1 Timothy 6:2-3 NLT)

What are we supposed to focus on when we teach? Jesus! What is the essence of our message when we preach? Jesus! Who is the beginning and end of our Christian life? Jesus! Who alone holds the wholesome teaching that will lead us into godliness? Jesus!

The late Pastor Robert Schuller was known as the guru of positive thinking. He was a pastor who built a great ministry, a huge church campus, and a worldwide TV ministry called the ‘Hour of Power’. Most of Robert Schuller’s early messages and books focused on the power of positive thinking, using the Scriptures to emphasize his point. Many have followed in his footsteps, but they neglected to take notice of the end of his life!

Something happened to Pastor Schuller near the end of his life. He began to preach the Cross of Jesus Christ. In an interview, he was asked what he would do differently in his ministry if he were starting again. He said, “I would preach the Cross of Jesus Christ!” I think as he reflected on his work, the great buildings, and all he accomplished, he recognized what Paul also discovered.

All of our worldly achievements mean nothing, save the Cross of Jesus Christ!

If I want to discern my heart, follow the money. If I want to test what is being taught, follow the money. If I want to invest my life and resources in a work that will honor God and build His Kingdom, follow the money. I need to remember Jesus’ words,

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” (Matthew 6:19-21 NLT)

Heavenly Father, search my heart this morning. Set me free from any attraction to the riches of this world. Help me to honor You with my substance as I surrender my heart to You. May my focus, my desire, my love be always the Cross of Jesus Christ. Grant me the grace to live contentedly in this life trusting fully in Christ alone!

“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.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT)

In Jesus’ Name!