“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” 1 Timothy 6:7

This verse reminds us that we enter life empty handed and we leave life in this world empty handed. It can also remind us that we need to come to God through Christ empty handed. Salvation is fully and only by the grace of God. It can’t be bought; it can’t be earned; it can’ be achieved; it can’t be inherited. It can only be gained when we come to Jesus empty handed recognizing our need for His atoning work on our behalf.

This verse also reminds us what has true value and where we should put our focus in this life. Many people, including even some Christian leaders, seek satisfaction and contentment through the pursuit of financial gain. They believe that if they can just get enough money and enough things, they will be happy and fulfilled. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. The context of the above verse is that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

There is nothing wrong with money or possessions, but to make the pursuit of wealth your life’s goal can have perilous consequences. “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. 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.” (verses 9-10)

Instead, the Bible counsels us to be people of God and to “flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (verse 11) These are all things that money can’t buy and that have eternal value.

Remember, you entered the world empty handed and you will leave the world empty handed. Make it your life’s goal to pursue the true riches of knowing Christ. Pursue godliness, not money or possessions for fulfilment.