It looked like Buddy was running for his life. Alone in his cage, our stout, honey-colored hamster raced on his wheel as fast as his stubby legs would take him. Poor guy! That flimsy wheel shook as Buddy wore himself out, running nowhere fast.
In today’s reading, Paul urged pastor Timothy to confront the false teachings that tempted his young church to run nowhere fast. Paul warned him specifically about those who “imagine that godliness is a way to material gain” (1Timothy 6:5). Timothy must reject the lie that promised financial blessing in exchange for faithfulness. Pursuing godliness—centering our lives on Jesus’s words and ways—should not be used to gain wealth. The Christian life is not about manipulating God for a stronger financial portfolio.
Here’s what this lie still offers us today: a hamster wheel. It tells us to hop on and run for our lives. On the wheel, we’re motivated by greed and powered by desperation. We compare and we judge. We envy and we covet. We don’t just want what others have; we want more. If we attempt to be obedient, we harbor resentment and expect payback. We may not consciously say it, but in our hearts we insist, “I work hard and play by the rules. I go to church. Heck, I even tithe. God owes me.”
But here’s the truth: God cannot be bought. Even if we do experience financial success, it will never be enough. “The one who loves silver is never satisfied with silver, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income. This too is futile” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Money never delivers the deep contentment we crave. We keep running, always on the chase for more, yet never truly satisfied.
Why do our hearts wrestle with money? Having money in the bank is not the problem. But letting money have its way in my heart is. Loving and worshiping our accumulation of stuff, status, and security reveals our desire to seize control, assert independence, and reject God’s supremacy by declaring our own. Back on the hamster wheel we go, striving to be god of a flimsy kingdom of our own making.
True gain is found when we reject these lies. Contentment grows as we humbly center our lives on Jesus Christ because He has already secured our eternal identity and status. He is enough. We can be motivated by gratitude instead of greed, powered by delight instead of desperation. Resisting that shaky wheel is so much easier said than done. Our pride and insecurity tell us to run for our lives, to accumulate all we can. Can we admit that we’ll be tempted to hop back on again? We will. And, when we do, let’s lovingly remind each other that we can jump right off because Christ always catches us. To rest in Him, friends, is our greatest gain (1Timothy 6:6).
I am never alone. God is always with me and sees my needs and meets them in the most unexpected ways. My husband works nights and so the busy evenings when all of the kids’ activities are scheduled he misses because he is on his way to work. Our schedule on Wednesday is complicated and it got to a point where I could get my son to youth group but not home from. I was sad that he wouldn’t be able to go anymore but I was at my limit. But God saw our need and introduced me to a neighbor who also attends our church, who also has a student in the middle school youth group, who was happy to bring my son home for us. I say God introduced us because I literally bumped into her at church. God is so good and kind. Than you for covering me in mercy. Please keep my feet on the path you have for me. Amen.
“Imagining that godliness is a means of gain”. These words stuck out to me as I recently heard that a Christian speaker charges $18,000 to speak at an event (if only for one hour) which does not include her 1st class airfare, airfare for a friend or her hotel! When I hear things like this it not only makes me cringe but gives me a sick feeling in my stomach. This is so far beyond what God intended for the spreading of the gospel… and please don’t misunderstand, I’m not saying airfare & hotel along with a reasonable stipend is not needed, but within reason. How did we get here? How did money become our all in all? Lord God please remind me to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness & gentleness – and that the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. 1 Timothy 6:10-11.
Im on a train right now on my way to D.C. with my hubby to celebrate his 60th birthday! ..a blessed day to you all! …praying for all your requests.
I am guilty of not being content. Wanting more. Father, forgive me. Thank you for this reminder!❤️
Sydney Smith, I say at least once a day, “I don’t know how anyone parents without Jesus!” I had a honeymoon baby (almost 11 years ago, now) and I remember bursting into tears of fear and anxiety when I saw those 2 pink lines pop right up! Over a decade and 3 more kids later I still marvel at how He walks so patiently and graciously alongside me. What a unique and wonder filled time of your life in this first year of motherhood. Congratulations! I am praying you feel God’s presence strongly in such holy work.
Arina, what is taking you to Tanzania? Sounds like quite the adventure!
I love the song “Jireh” by Elevation Worship. It came out around the same time I very begrudgingly moved back to my hometown for my first job out of grad school a little over a year ago. “I will be content in every circumstance. Jireh, you are enough.” has been one of my biggest challenges over the last year. I am so blessed with a job I love, a good roommate, supportive parents and friends, and yet I still struggle with contentment. However, today’s devotion is a good reminder to seek Jesus first, my only source of true contentment. I am so blessed in so many ways yet get wrapped up in comparison. It truly is the thief of joy. May I fix my eyes on Jesus above all else today as He is the only one that can ever fully satisfy. Amen <3
My son will be six months old the end of this month, these months adjusting to becoming a mother have been some of the hardest of my life. I was never an anxious person until I was constantly worried about his sleep, or if he was eating enough, gaining weight, etc. I have learned through it all- God is with us, always. Heavenly Father thank you for being my partner in life, guiding me, helping me, providing for us. I pray over the other mommas who are leaning on you for support also, you have and will continue to provide for us- help us rest in that assurance father. Thank you for our children, may we raise them in your word and love.
I’m asking prayers for a close friend of mine. They are struggling hard with their mental burden. They were raised religious but stepped away after a traumatic event in their life.