So DS and I talked about why he needed to be at the table ready to begin his day at a specific time. I listened to several years of built up angst. It's interesting to view the world from a 13 yo perspective again. A lot of what he has pent up angst about deals with lack of time, money, and energy to follow through with some of the things mentioned in passing over the years. Wistful things, said in haste or dream that haven't come to pass. Through our discussion he came to the following three conclusions: Time is finite- only 24 hrs in a day. Money is finite- only what the LORD has blessed us with. Energy- is finite to a degree... the amount of energy DH and I have is slowly and steadily increasing with the new food and activity journey we are on.
In bringing the discussion back around to his gift of and management of time, talent, and treasure, I opened my NIV study bible. After a brief foray in the topical index, I opened to I Timothy chapter 6. I Timothy chapter 6 does NOT talk about time, talent, or treasure management, but instead the first two verses open with slavery finishing the topic in chapter 5 followed with admonishment about materialism.
Paul writes to Timothy in verses 3-5: "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. "
HMMM... Anyone else see any parallels with today's prosperity preachers who would have their followers believe that people who are not materialistically rich are not in line with the word of God or are being punished? I'm thinking about Joyce Meyers, Joel Osteen, Paula White, TD Jakes and other TBN preachers. But I'm getting off topic.
DS and I discussed the distraction and negativity of envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, constant friction. Also how these things erode the mind, jading it against the beauty, love, and joy of an open heart that is not lured into satan's trap of the quest for materialism.
Further we discussed the following verses:
1 Timothy 6:6-8
6But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
We discussed what is godliness. DS concluded this is striving to be like God. What contentment is- being happy with what you have and not wanting anything else. Great gain-to get something that's very big to you.We come into this world via birth from our mother's loins-we are small, cute, crying, hungry, and naked. The only thing was come into this world with are demands. When we leave this world it is only our soul and spirit in the condition of all we have learned- that leave, no pockets for material things (DS adds-like a 9mm "celtic" Kal-tec (DH has graciously LOL corrected me on this) and ammo).
Verse 8: But if we have food and clothing we can be content with that... And further, we do not need to concern ourselves with what the food is, as long as it nourishes us...nor what name brand or style the clothes are as long as we are not naked. There's a peace that comes with throwing off materialism. What will the video games, nerf guns, 39 clues books really profit? They may be fun, but in essence are nothing but a distraction from the beauty, joy, and love God has so freely poured out for us through His Son, Jesus Christ, which we are privileged to share with others.
~I love teachable moments. May God be praised!
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