Godly contentment
1 Timothy 6:2b-10
2b Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Two lines stand out to me: “These teachings promote a godly life.” “True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth”
The world is a vacuum, constantly trying to “suck us into” another life and a different focus. As you watch television, read information, the constant advertising for gambling, consuming things, saying “you have to have this or that”, or imagery that you aren’t “cool” or “in touch” unless you have this/that or that you need to “look a certain way”. You need this to “be more….”. It is all a lie.
Contentment is a word that today many people struggle to live out. However, when we become content with you who we are, where we live, what we do, etc, we realise that it is a place of peace. We don’t need to strive.
God loves us the way we are. He is the one who holds our future. We do need to be people who work hard, are wise in our financial affairs and our relationships, but that doesn’t include striving. I have found that one way to be content is to begin and end my day with thankfulness. Thanking God for all I do have. Thanking God for work, for food, for a home, for the ability to be used by Him for His Kingdom. You see “we enter His courts with thankfulness and praise….”
Lord, may I continue to always thank you. You who holds me, you hold my future and forgive my past. Thank you. May I never lose sight of your goodness and kindness, your forgiveness and trust. May I be your witness to the end of my days. Jesus, In your mighty name I pray, Amen.
Written by Ps. Sue Botta