Read: 1 Timothy 6:1-10

What makes you happy? What gives you the greatest joy? Is it when your mum gives you a little bit of money and takes you to the shop to buy something for yourself? Is it the latest book you have received, or the holiday you are looking forward to? I’m sure these things will make you happy, and that’s okay. You are allowed to be thankful for the blessings you receive from the Lord.

But do these things really make you happy? Can you still be happy without them? Or are you always wanting more, thinking that if you could just have a few more books, a few more clothes or some new games you would be truly happy.

The false preachers in Timothy’s day taught the people different things than Jesus Christ taught them. They were often proud and more interested in the money they may have received for their preaching than making sure they actually preached about Jesus Christ. But the gospel is not about money or how earthly things can make you happy. That is why we are warned here that we shouldn’t be focusing on money or earthly things to make us happy.

Contentment or being happy can only come when we focus on godliness. To focus on godliness means to think about God and not ourselves or the things we want. It means to focus on the blessings of God’s love and grace and forgiveness. It means to think about the eternal life with God that we look forward to.

This doesn’t mean that you are not allowed to enjoy the money or the earthly blessings that the Lord gives you. Verse 10 doesn’t say that money is the root of all evil, but that the love of money is the root of all evil. The Bible says you are a fool if you think that having lots of money can make you happy.

True happiness comes from learning more about the Lord, singing praises to him, reading the Bible and thanking God for his love for you. That’s what can really make you happy.

Reflection with your child:

What things make you truly happy?