Monday, 12 February 2018
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1 Timothy 6:7
The words of this verse carry a similar thought to that of Job 1:21 –
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Solomon also states something akin to this thought in Ecclesiastes 5:13-17. There is an understanding that we all came into the world with nothing but our physical bodies attached to the soul which animates us. Nobody would dispute that. Things like time, place, family, etc., accompanied our birth, but those things are not physical in nature. Paul is speaking of material gain in these verses, and there was nothing material which accompanied us at our birth.
As we had nothing material with us that the world didn’t have before our coming, no such thing was introduced into it at that time. In like manner, there will be nothing lacking from the material world when we depart. Everything we accumulated will remain behind. The Egyptian pharaohs seemed to think otherwise, and stored up vast amounts of things to take with them on their journey into the afterlife. Other cultures and individuals have attempted to do this as well. And yet, when their tombs are discovered, all that stuff is still here. As Paul says, “it is certain we can carry nothing out.” When our ticket is punched, the only thing going on that ride is the soul. Even our physical bodies don’t go along.
Paul’s point in saying this is to demonstrate that we should be content with the lives we live. In the coming verse, he will show where contentment should rest.
Life application: If you are storing up worldly wealth in anticipation of being ahead of others when you die, you haven’t thought things through very well. In fact, your reasoning is completely lacking any sense at all. The most you can do is save up things which will be passed on to others after your death, but what you have treasured up will not profit you a bit when you pass on. Think on this, and be gracious – and yet be wise and discerning – during this life with the fruit of your labors.
Lord God, Your word teaches us a sure truth in saying that we came into this world with nothing, and we will depart it with nothing as well. All we had besides our bodies was the time, place, and circumstances into which we were born. Now, during our earthly walk, help us to use our life and circumstances to honor You, to help others in their own lives, and to be ready to return to You with the safe assurance that we will meet on friendly terms because of having received the gift of Christ Jesus Your Son. Amen.