Slices
Prepare
Quietly consider the good things God has given you. Express your thanks to him.
Bible passage
3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 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. 10 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.
Explore
The world shouts at us that we need more: more wealth, more physical comfort, more belongings. It’s doing its best to convince us that the more we have the happier we will be. Paul says no: what you need is Jesus and his teaching (v 3). It is in living obediently to Christ that we will find contentment and realise we need nothing else (vs 6–8).
At first glance Paul’s description of those who choose financial gain over godliness (vs 4,5) and the consequence (v 10) seems like a worst-case scenario. We might feel reassured we’d never be like that. But it’s worth pausing and, recognising the pursuit of more is a temptation we all face, asking ourselves if we recognise the teaching of the world as false, or have we started to fall into the trap of believing it (v 9)? Do you look at what others around you have and feel jealousy (v 4)? Have you shared something untrue or unkind on social media (v 4)? Do you give thanks for what you have been given, or do you spend time wondering how you can get more (v 10)? It’s an easy trap to fall into. Perhaps reminding ourselves daily of verse 6 will help us avoid it. What have we gained because of Christ?
Respond
Ask God to reveal to you any areas of discontent or wrong values. Pray for God’s help in responding to these.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 18,19; Mark 14
Pray for Scripture Union
Rooted facilitates building long-term relationships with those aged 8–14, enabling children and young people to explore faith in their own way and at their own speed. Pray for the training workshops taking place across all regions to help churches and schools create accessible Rooted conversation spaces.
Equipping the church to reach the next generation
Across England and Wales, increasing numbers of children and young people are asking big questions about life, faith and meaning. Many are more open than we might assume – curious, thoughtful, and ready for conversations about Jesus, even when church isn’t part of their everyday world. For churches who have a heart for the next generation, this presents a real and hopeful opportunity.
Many leaders carry a deep desire to help the next generation encounter Jesus, but with full diaries and many responsibilities, knowing how to respond – or where to begin – can feel uncertain. That’s why we’ve created the It’s Time to Act guide.
It’s a simple, encouraging resource designed to help churches take thoughtful, realistic steps towards revealing Jesus to the next generation. Rather than offering big programmes or quick fixes, the guide focuses on what’s possible now – small, achievable actions that can grow over time. Inside, you’ll find practical ideas shaped by real church life that work alongside busy schedules and varied contexts. So, whether your church is just beginning to explore this opportunity, or already taking steps, the guide aims to meet you where you are and help you discern what comes next.
Our hope is that It’s Time to Act feels less like another initiative, and more like an invitation – to notice where God is already at work, and to take a next step, one step at a time.
If you’d like to explore the guide and see whether it could support your church, you can order a copy here.
