The apostle Paul exhorted Timothy to withdrawn himself from those who think that becoming wealthy is a result of godliness.

While there is nothing inherently wrong with having financial success, the belief that riches and worldly success is on a parallel track with godliness is spiritual error.

According to scripture, it is unwholesome and contrary to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and contrary to the doctrine of godliness to believe that riches and material success is a reflection of God’s hand on one’s life.

Notice the following from 1 Timothy 6. I have selected the New Living Translation for clarity.

Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. ~ 1 Timothy 6:3-12

Please take some time and consider what you have read. Again, there is nothing inherently wrong with material success, and it is a good thing to trust God for provision to meet our needs.

However, it is the pursuit of worldly riches, and thinking that material success is a reflection of godliness that is wrong. According to the apostle Paul, those who have such pursuits “fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.”

Paul exhorted Timothy to pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

What is it that you are pursuing? Material riches or godly character? 

I hope you will take some time and consider your pursuits. Are you aligned with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ and the doctrine which is according to godliness? Or, are you seeking God’s favor as material blessings?

Your input is welcomed in the comment section below.

Thank you