For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
Summary: Once again, Paul manages to slap us upside the head with an obvious fact that puts the whole world back into perspective.
Remember the saying, “You can’t take it with you”? Well, now you know where it came from. Paul said it here first!
If we step back a pace or two and look at the context, we can better see what Paul is saying. The verse just before this one says, “…godliness with contentment is great gain.” The verse after says, “But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”
Godliness is not about the things of this world. Godliness is about being like Jesus.
Before Jesus was born a man, he lived in heaven. Do you think he packed a bag for his trip to earth?
No?
When he showed up, he was tiny, naked, and probably crying — just like every other person who has ever been born.
When he died, Jesus went the same way. The only thing he took with him was his integrity; he remained faithful to his Father from the day he was born until the day he died.
Is that enough?
Well … yes, it is. You see, Jesus came back from the dead to show us why we don’t need to worry about taking things with us. His Father, God, provides everything he needs. He didn’t leave and ascend back up to heaven wishing he could take one more fish casserole with him. He rose smiling because he knew he was going home, and he knew that he would be taking you and me with him.
Perhaps the reason Paul took the time to state the obvious was that we need to be reminded of what is important. It is not money. It is not possessions. It is not cars, or clothes, or even your health care plan or your 401K. What is important is our relationship with Jesus.
Yes, God knows that in this life we need things. Jesus said, “For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them” (Luke 12:30).
Ouch.
That hits kind of hard, doesn’t it?
The pagan world runs after such things. Hmmm… That doesn’t sound very Christian. Maybe Paul has a point.
Application: Keep our eyes on Jesus!
Food for Thought: Why does the ‘pagan world’ have such a strong influence on us?
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