Jethro, the Father-in-law of Moses, gave criteria for choosing leaders. Of them, the most important was those who hate a bribe to be chosen. (Exodus 18:21) Even in those ancient times, bribery seems to be a social, economic, and political problem. Those who do not hate bribery would fall victim to covetousness. (Exodus 20:17) Seekers of bribes could do injustice to innocents. Felix, expecting a bribe, did not set Paul free. (Acts 24:26)
Like a bribe: The first step is to like, or create an admiration for what is forbidden as a bribe. Instead of fleeing away from it as sin, approach it as neutral, hence, worth accepting. When a person accepts a bribe, it is like stolen water and bread eaten in secret, which is sweet. (Proverbs 9:17) After tasting once, it becomes a habit.
Love bribe: Such people progress to love bribes. Hate has become love, with no remorse or regret. Gradually, they get used to the luxury, comfort, and ease that come with bribery. Their privilege and power are misused to gain illicit gain. But strangely, this illicit gain gives a sense of pleasure. More bribes, more pleasure. Paul writes that the love for money is the root of all evil. (I Timothy 6:10)
Lust bribe: Sin is a miry clay that pulls downward. Now, illicit possessions and amassing wealth have become the life purpose. Hence, indulge in getting more and more bribes. It is the pursuit of a mirage like a deer. The faster it pursues, the farther the mirage.
Live bribe: Life becomes so miserable, they breathe, eat, think, and pursue a bribe. Money and material possessions become their idols. Every single day, they expect to gain more, become anxious when they do not get their goals set in their minds. They wish to live forever rich, but ignore the truth that they cannot take anything with them when they die.
Contentment and godliness: The combination of spiritual discipline of contentment and godliness provides a great gain or blessing in this world. (I Timothy 6:6) Gratefulness is the secret of contentment.
Do I have godliness with contentment?