Great Gain
by Brandy Webb
I would like to ask a question: How many people do you think feel satisfaction with their lives? How many of you are self-satisfied with your life? Is there anything you wish you could change?
I am sure a lot of us would say that there are things we wish we could change about our lives. I am sure that the majority of us probably have at least some dissatisfaction with our lives, also. I think that is why Paul tells Timothy, and us, that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Tim 6:6). I also like the way the God’s Word Bible puts it: “A godly life brings huge profits to people who are content with what they have.”
Isn’t it interesting the monetary metaphor that is being used? The word “gain” in KJV actually means “furnishing … that is (by implication) money getting” (Strong’s G4200). Therefore, just like we feel a boost of contentment when we get a raise, we will feel even more profit by living a righteous life and being content with our lives.
Trying to walk the narrow path of righteousness is very profitable, but it is even more so if we are content while we are walking that path. I have known people that were great Christians when it came to serving others, but they were not content with their own lives, thus kind of dampening their Christian walk.
Paul’s teaching goes on, “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. But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness” (1 Tim 6:7-11).
We know that no matter what we acquire in this life, it is gone when we die even if we put all our wealth in our tombs like the ancient Egyptians. Therefore, what we should be striving for is to become “rich” in righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. These things bring true contentment in life.
Remember, “blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed” (Prov 3:13-18). Plus, “better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it” (Prov 15:16).
God wants us to be content. He knows this life is hard, but He is building us up for a better life. Try to remember that this life is only temporary. Look towards the Kingdom of God. And although we are strangers in a strange land, we can still live godly lives with complete contentment with the knowledge that we are children of the Highest.