BEING CONSISTENT IN CHRISTIAN LIVING- 1 TIM. 6:3-17

From the beginning of Paul's first letter to Timothy, the apostle addressed the problems that false teachers caused in the city where Diana was worshiped. They refused to embrace the healthy teachings of Jesus and His doctrine which promoted upright living. They had another, a twisted message. Their twisted minds have left them with an unhealthy cravings for endless arguments about controversial questions. They love wars over words. Rejecting sound doctrine, they have been made sick by their own teachings.

The results of the erroneous instructions at Ephesus were far from desirable. Paul lists them as envy, fighting, abusive speech, and false speculations. Involved also are constant angry arguments of the truth they once possessed. But more, these false teachers suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Their doctrine becomes the source of discontent among believers.

History records that while the Russian Orthodox Church was in a conference hotly debating some minor issue of church doctrine, the Bolsheviks were overthrowing the government of Russia and setting up a Communist regime. What a tragedy it is when Christians become mixed up in a quarrel in pointless argument while the world around them is perishing in revolution. We must continually guard against the danger of majoring in minors.

Covetousness is not only subtle, it is deadly. Godliness should never be viewed as a means of material gain. The real gain of godliness is in the spiritual  realm. Trust in God leads to the priceless possession of contentment. With food, clothing, and shelter, the Christian should be content- Phil. 4:11. Paul declares that covetousness ignores the facts of life. As is often said, ''You can't take it with when you die''. Job among the world's richest, exclaimed '' Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return'' - Job 1:21.

Further, the apostle declares this subtle sin is the root of many others. This is so much the case that Paul says, ''the love of money is the root of all evil''. It is even listed as a basic cause of divorce today. Covetousness robs a man of his soul. It leads him to temptation and a trap. It fosters foolish and harmful lusts and ends in utter destruction and ruin.

Unfortunately, believers are not the only ones who have the problems of  greed and covetousness. And it is not limited to those Christians who are more wealthy. Poor people can be stingy too. It is a temptation to the poor and not just the rich. In today's world, those who have little of this world's goods are tempted to envy those who have much. The wife may work away from home at nights and the husband during the day, not out of necessity but simply to have an ever higher standard of living. The husband may even seek a second job, working evenings and weekends just to afford more luxuries. As a result, there is little time left for self, family and God.

To practice consistent Christian living, the apostle exhorts young Timothy to flee these things, which includes false doctrines of troublesome teachers at Ephesus and their lifestyle e.g  Simon of Samaria who was in the ministry for the money it brought him. While fleeing these things, Timothy was also to follow hard after the true riches of life. He was to set his heart on righteousness, godliness, faith and love. He must seek to remain steadfast under trial. He was also to strive always to manifest gentleness of temper in relating to men. Paul challenges Timothy to fight a good battle against lust, sin and Satan, and live a spotless life that lives him above reproach.

To inspire consistency in Christian living, Paul suggests that Timothy should ever keep ever before him the hope of the coming Christ. No one knows the day nor the hour of His return. Also the rich among the Christians should share their material goods with others to keep down the subtle sin in their lives. It is irrelevant to trust in riches because it is God who gives them. Hence, the wealthy should worship Him for what they have. So many Christian families today are caught in the trap of materialism. They are looking to things to bring them fulfillment and happiness. Things are however a very unreliable means of achieving true family happiness. The item that was so earnestly desired by all soon loses its appeal, and then something else must be acquired to take its place. Jesus expressed it best when He said '' A man's life consists not in the abundance of the things he possess'' - Lk. 12:15.

To be  a good steward, Timothy must guard carefully the treasures which has been committed to his trust and ensuring it is not mixed with counterfeit items. He must avoid the godless and empty chatter of false religious leaders at Ephesus. Timothy is not to be persuaded by the claims of the opposition. They declare they have the real knowledge but what they know is modern science, hence they proclaim false teachings and doctrine, which may sound intellectually appealing but spiritually empty and deadly poison to attract listeners to themselves. Therefore all children of God are to guard themselves with the word to avoid falling prey to these sugar-coated religious philosophers.