1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.
2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,
4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions
5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 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.
9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Reflection

Respectful Relationships (6:1–2)
When reading these verses about slavery, it is important to understand that the situation during the days of the Roman Empire was very different from our general understanding of slavery. This passage addresses the difficulty of how Christians should interact when there is a social hierarchy in the relationship. Today, we may find ourselves working for people who are believers, but that does not mean that we should take advantage of the relationship. We should continue to serve each other well, regardless of our social status. We remember that, ultimately, we are all working in service to the Lord. Each of us is called to be faithful in our work, showing our respect for God as we show respect and care for one another.

- Think about how you treat believers who have a different social status. How can you be a greater blessing to them?

Godliness Is the Real Gain (6:3–10)
Paul wants Timothy to teach the value of godliness over the pursuit of wealth. Some think that godliness is a means to financial gain, but Paul explains that godliness itself is a great gain. A healthy church is one that is focused on Christ, but the love of money can derail a church, distracting believers and plunging them into destruction and all kinds of evil. We may be tempted to look for security in our bank accounts and possessions, but Paul warns of the allure of these temptations. It is easy to wander from the faith when we pursue money rather than God. May we be satisfied to have godliness with contentment, which is a far greater investment for now and for eternity.

- Consider your pursuit of godliness. What can you do to avoid distractions that tempt you down a different path? 

A letter to God 

Dear Lord, the world offers many distractions and temptations that pull me away from You. More than anything else, I want to be satisfied with pursuing godliness. Help me to fix my eyes on You so that I might look more like You each day. In Your name I pray, amen.

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