But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6
Timothy, pastor to the church of Ephesus, was faced with some false teachers of the faith and Paul wrote this letter to instruct him. It seems that there were teachers who attempted at a godly life in order to reap material wealth.
He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. 1 Timothy 6:4-5
Sounds like those ancient “influencers” would have fit right in with some in the social media world today. They played at godliness, maybe even deceiving themselves, but any gain would be fleeting. It was an outward godliness, not pursing Christ, but pursuing the prize of status and money. And it would never be enough.
But godliness in and of itself - not as a means to an end - is a result of a grateful heart that’s been redeemed.
Contentment results from being thankful for having our needs met and realizing that everything else is but dust. When we have more than we need, it is easy to find contentment in the stuff, if even for a moment.
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. 1 Timothy 4:7-8
When I pursue godliness, I find my contentment in Him. He is all I need.
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. Philippians 4:11-12
When that is my perspective, my godliness will lead to great gain. True contentment is a worthy gain, but the real prize is Christ Himself, and the hope of glory in Him. That’s the gain I want!
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
