For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
First Timothy is a letter Paul wrote to a young helper named Timothy. He wanted to help God's family love God and love each other.
Today's Story
Paul is finishing his letter to his young friend Timothy. He has one more thing on his heart, and it is about being happy.
Some people think, “If I just had more money, more toys, more stuff, then I would be happy.” But Paul says that is not where happiness comes from.
“We brought nothing into the world,” Paul writes. “And we can take nothing out of it.” When you were born, your hands were empty. So Paul says, if we have food to eat and clothes to wear, we can be glad. That is enough.
Loving money too much can pull a heart away from God, the way a strong wind pulls a kite. So Paul tells Timothy, “Run away from that. Run after good things instead!”
Run after trusting God. Run after love. Run after being gentle and kind.
And to the people who do have a lot, Paul says something beautiful: do not be proud, and do not hug your money tight. Be rich in good deeds. Be quick to share. God is the One who gives us everything to enjoy, so we can open our hands and pass the good things along.
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- What is something you already have that makes you really happy? Let's say thank You to God for it.
- Paul says to be rich in good deeds. What is a kind deed you could do for someone in our home this week?
- Why do you think more stuff doesn't always make a person happy inside?