“Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain “Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. But true faith, with peace of mind, is of greatest profit and godliness with contentment is greatest gain” 1Timothy 6:6-10 says “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”. One way to measure the success or failure in life is by what we have when we die. One thing is certain: It is not money. There are no safe deposit boxes in caskets. People who want to get rich fall into a trap which plunges them into ruin and destruction. The love of money can lead to temporal destruction, but it can also lead to eternal destruction (see verse 10). One of the best definitions of contentment that I have heard is, not having all you want but wanting only what you have. Satisfied with what you have -- that is being content. The Greek word used here in this passage means self-sufficiency, having all you need and wanting only that much, not craving for more. But there is even more to it than that. The word is best defined by the Apostle Paul: I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therein to be content, (Philippians 4:11). Then Paul goes on, I have learned both to be abased [to live without anything]; I have learned to abound [to have all I need] ...I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want, (Philippians 4:12). The next verse tells us the secret: I can do all things through him who strengthens me, (Philippians 4:13). Godliness, in other words, is contentment. True godliness is understanding that when you have God, and food, and clothing, that is all you really need to be enriched and fulfilled, satisfied and content. That is the clear teaching of the Scriptures. Jesus said that: a persons life does not consist of the abundance of things which he possesses (Luke 12:15) St Paul’s counsel on the basis of this practical observation is that “The best of life comes from godliness with contentment.” Pursue the life that is pleasing to God: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:49:18 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015