These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 1 Timothy 6:2b
“Bringing together Paul’s negative and positive instructions to the wealthy, they are not to be proud and despise the poor, but to do good and be generous; they are not to fix their hopes on uncertain riches but on God the Giver and on that most valuable of all his gifts, the treasure of eternal life.
Looking over both the paragraphs about money, the apostle’s balanced wisdom becomes apparent. Against materialism (an obsession with material possessions) he sets simplicity of lifestyle. Against asceticism (the repudiation of the material order) he sets gratitude for God’s creation. Against covetousness (the list for more possessions) he sets contentment with what we have. Against selfishness (the accumulation of goods for ourselves) he sets generosity in imitation of God.
Simplicity, gratitude, contentment, and generosity constitute the healthy quadrilateral of Christian living.”
John R.W. Stott in The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus (TBST; Downers Grove: IVP, 1996) 162-163.
Today’s the last day of the conference in Omaha. My remarks have been well received. It’s been great to serve more than 100 pastors with my friend, Jon Wiebe of MB Foundation.
This post almost sums up my aim at this conference in four talks. To impart the healthy quadrilateral of Christian living: simplicity, gratitude, contentment, and generosity.
My four themes were actually faithful stewardship, faithful leadership, faithful governance, and faithful accountability. Reply if you want a set of my notes.
I pray you see their connection and pursue these four traits in your life. They mark the antidotes to materialism, asceticism, covetousness, and selfishness.
Imagine the impact on the congregations as these pastors live out these traits and influence their congregations. I pray it touches tens of thousands of disciples of Jesus Christ.