gain

“ But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into this world and we will take nothing out of this world.”

1 Timothy 6:6 ESV

Contentment is found when our hearts are rooted in the eternal. 

1 Timothy is a letter from Paul encouraging Timothy in his new role as a church leader. He warns Timothy to teach that godliness is not a means of financial gain but resting in the sufficiency of Christ. There are many distractions and convincing perspectives that wealth, influence and power are worthy goals, however, Paul states that we should focus on being content in whatever circumstance God has given us. It is impossible to be content when our hearts are constantly after more. The only thing that can satisfy our deepest need and longing is the presence of God. 

Money and possessions are not the danger—throughout scripture there are plenty of godly people who were wealthy, Abraham, David, King Solomon. The difference is a matter of the heart. Paul goes on to say the ‘love of money is the root of all kinds of evil” (1 Tim 6:10).  It is the desire or love for ‘more’ that can easily tempt our hearts from the eternal riches Jesus provides. As Jesus so famously said, “You cannot serve two masters, for you will love the one and hate the other, you cannot love both God and money” (Mt 6:24).

How can we see our material possessions and resources through an eternal perspective? Paul writes, “As for the rich in the present age, charge them not to be haughty not to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Ti 6:17). We set our hopes on God. We rest in His grace and choose to be content in the riches we have received through the blood of Jesus.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor 8:9).

Fight the good fight of faith, friend. Flee these things and go God’s way—the good way. Though it moves against the tide of culture we have a great God behind us giving us the strength and self control to endure.

additional reading:

Old Testament: Proverbs 11:25
New Testament: Luke 12:15,  2 Corinthians 9:6

reflect:

Giving is a divine practice that teaches us how to ‘store up treasure in heaven,’ (Mt 6:21) and guard our hearts from materialism and greed.

What place does giving have in your life? Are you giving regularly? How does knowing the grace of God change your perspective around generosity? Seek the Lord this morning and He will speak to you and set you free! 

centering prayer

LORD, thank you for all you have blessed me with, especially Jesus. Help me to be content with the simple things. amen.