Pastor’s Corner 9-28-2025

Dear church friends.

This Sunday, we will hear a reading from 1 Timothy 6:6–19, where the Bible reminds us: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6). The author warns against loving money, not because money itself is evil, but because when our lives focus on wealth, we lose our way (1 Tim 6:9-10). Instead, the author encourages us to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share so that we may embrace the life that truly is life. Interestingly, this same wisdom is also found in a very different tradition. 

Interestingly, Chapter 46 of the Tao Te Ching, an ancient Chinese classic, teaches that greed is the greatest misfortune, while contentment is true wealth. It states that when people live in harmony with the Way, their energy is used for cultivation and peace; when they live in discontent, that energy is wasted on conflict and grasping. The concluding line sums up this philosophy: "One who is content with their allotment of contentment is eternally content." 

For us at Spirit of Life Lutheran Church, these teachings come together beautifully. Contentment doesn’t mean doing nothing or just getting by—it means trusting that God has already given us enough to share. It involves placing our hope not in what we can accumulate, but in the life we build together through faith, generosity, and service. As we begin to budget and raise funds for our church’s work—our trilingual worship, caring for children, multigenerational community, and growing in faith maturity—we are invited to practice this spirit of generosity. Every gift, large or small, helps us continue to grow into the church God is calling us to be. 

1 Timothy says to, “Take hold of the life that really is life” (6:12). These words invite us to live, give freely, and trust deeply that God provides. This life offers a happiness that is more genuine and enduring than anything the world can give. As we share our blessings, we will discover that the true treasure is not in what we hold onto but in what we release for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Faithfully,

Pr. Josh