Satisfied?!

Those who no longer have school-going children can vacation very economically abroad during out of season times because hotels and holiday resorts must be filled “If someone takes a trip, he has something to tell!” reports the “Volksmund”. So we can tell others – when we are back at home – about the huge variety of over-flowing buffets and that you don't even have to pay for a single drink, as everything is included in the price paid in advance. When we look at our initial verse, during this vacation, everything is not only in abundance, but profusely so! But are everyone, who accepts this offer, satisfied therewith? We are allowed to enjoy it, Paul tells his “son” Timothy, 2000 years ago. At that time the condition of supplies were probably quite different. How much good food remains on the plates and must be disposed of! At the same time, millions of people are suffering from starvation!

As a believing Christian I am grateful for that which my Heavenly Father provides for my daily needs. A few verses before Paul writes: “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” (verse 8) Is it always enough for me? Am I satisfied with that which I have and are able to afford? Precisely in this 6th chapter we read about the wealthy and those who want to become wealthy! At the same time, we are exhorted by the Word of GOD – as we read in the following scriptures: “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (verse 18-19)

This almost last verse in the first epistle of Paul to Timothy should still speak to us today! How satisfied am I? Do I give some of my income to the needy and those who have less than me? Am I getting “rich in good works” or “poorer”, because I only think about me and myself, I only just come out on my income and cannot give away anything at all!? Should we not all endeavour, - as translated from Karl-Heinz Vanheiden - “to secure a strong foundation for the future” and thus we will gain the desirable and valuable “real life”! Let us strive to do so and begin with it now, in the present. These wonderful statements should accompany us in the new day.

Karl-Heinz Bühnemann