For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:7-8
“For we brought nothing into the world. He adds this for the purpose of setting a limit to the sufficiency. Our covetousness is an insatiable gulf, if it be not restrained; and the best bridle is, when we desire nothing more than the necessity of this life demands; for the reason why we transgress the bounds, is, that our anxiety extends to a thousand lives which we falsely imagine. Nothing is more common, and indeed nothing is more generally acknowledged, than this statement of Paul; but as soon as all have acknowledged it, (as we see every day with our eyes,) every man swallows up with his wishes his vast possessions, in the same manner as if he had a belly able to contain half of the world.
And this is what is said, that, “although the folly of the fathers appears in hoping that they will dwell here forever, nevertheless their posterity approve of their way” (Psalm 49:13). In order, therefore, that we may be satisfied with a sufficiency, let us learn to have our heart so regulated, as to desire nothing but what is necessary for supporting life. Having food and raiment. When he mentions food and raiment, he excludes luxuries and overflowing abundance; for nature is content with a little and all that goes beyond the natural use is superfluous. Not that to use them more largely ought to be condemned on its own account but lusting after them is always sinful.”
John Calvin in Commentary on Timothy, Titus, Philemon (CCEL) 127.
Craig Blomberg crushed it last night speaking on the Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard in Matthew 20:1-16 (pictured speaking above to 3,000 people at the Annual ETS Conference. His remarks celebrated God’s grace, generosity, and so much more.
As I continue reading Calvin on 1 Timothy, I must say that have read dozens of commentators on this text but few more eloquent.
Think about it: The reason God wants us to find contentment in basic necessities and set a limit to sufficiency relates to the fact that our covetousness is an insatiable gulf.
He wants us to find contentment in Him, the only One that satisfies, rather than seek it in superfluous things that cannot ever bring us the satisfaction they promise.
Let’s test ourselves. Think about all you have. Is there anything you think you could not do without it? Name it. Put the best bridle on it. Now surrender that thing to God immediately.
Naked each of us came and naked we will depart. And it could happen any day. The Surrender Novena, repeated daily, puts everything in perspective. Jesus, I surrender myself to you. Take care of everything.
When we surrender, we acknowledge that He is all we need. We give thanks for food and clothing. And we live simply to give generously. Whatever else we think you need. My best advice: Let it go. Let it go.