Vol. 17 No. 14 | April 7, 2014
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (Timothy 6:6-8, NIV).
The text says, “godliness with contentment”? One might assume that the two would be joined together in a natural way. If I am godly, wouldn’t I also be content? If I am content, doesn’t that assume some level of godliness? It could mean that, and one might assume that to be the case, but the two do not necessarily always abide together. My desires for “great gain”, whether monetary gain, a gain in respect, or an increase in power and influence may prevent me from being truly content.
Part of the reason may be found in the last two words in the sentence: great gain. If I am seeking, desiring and obsessed with “great gain”, my level of contentment may be dramatically reduced, and that, in turn, may impact my degree of godliness. The next two verses shed some light on what that is true:
“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.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10, NIV).
The tone of The Message paints an even more graphic image:
“A devout life does bring wealth, but it’s the rich simplicity of being yourself before God. Since we entered the world penniless and will leave it penniless, if we have bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough.But if it’s only money these leaders are after, they’ll self-destruct in no time. Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” (1 Timothy 6:6-10, The Message)
In a world filled with messages of greed, selfishness, and “great gain”, contentment is not an easy achievement. But, it is possible. Consider these few steps to move toward contentment.
First, remember that “we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” At first glace that might seem easy enough. “Of course this is true!” Yet, many of us live with an attitude that says, “This stuff is mine. I earned it. I’ve had it all my life. And furthermore, I will have it all my life.” If we shift our thinking to the truth that we really did not bring it with us when we entered and we cannot take it with when we leave the world, holding on to it seems less important. A better attitude might be: “None of this is mine. It’s all a gift. It was given and can be taken away, so why should I stress over holding on to it?”
Second, admit that “bread on the table and shoes on our feet, that’s enough” is probably not how we typically think. Admitting that we usually want a little more will not change or remove the desire, but at least it is a start in the right direction. Maybe we could pray: “Lord, I wish bread on the table and shoes on our feet was enough, and maybe someday it will be, but today I want more. Help me mature to the point where that will be enough.” Be honest with yourself. Be honest with God.
Third, remind yourself that striving to get rich and stay rich is a dangerous approach to life. Notice again how The Message says it: “Lust for money brings trouble and nothing but trouble. Going down that path, some lose their footing in the faith completely and live to regret it bitterly ever after.” Jesus talked about a narrower path that is less dangerous and leads to real life.
Remember you brought nothing into the world, and you will take nothing out of it.
Admit that you’ve achieved contentment, but keep trying.
Remind yourself that you have a choice in your path: life or death.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. You can do it.
Tom
© Copyright 2014 Tom Norvell. All rights reserved.