Contentment—Great Gain

But godliness with contentment is great gain. - 1 Timothy 6:6

    Men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, suppose that gain is godliness, and seek contentment in materialism, using religion as a means of advancement. This is the commentary of all false professors and religions from the pew to the pulpit. This is nothing more or less than a system of works clothed with self-righteousness.

    Godliness is being in agreement with God, and being content with all that he does. Godliness and contentment has more to do with the inward man than the outward man, although what we are inwardly is manifested in who we are and what we do outwardly. Such were Simon Magus and his followers (Acts 8:9-13). The unbeliever can only be satisfied when he has what he desires materially, physically, and emotionally. But when this is achieved, it is short-lived, because the eyes of man are never satisfied (Prv 27:20).

    The believer seeks and finds happiness, pleasure, and contentment in the God of providence and the providence of God. Any other way is not gain, but rather a snare. The heart of the unsaved religionist will choose that which satisfies his fleshly desires, and makes his place in this world feel more secure, over the things of God every time. Most of the time his choice is seen outwardly. Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee (Heb 13:5), is not just a rule to follow for the believer, it is a way of life. Those whom God is teaching to be content in this world are not of this world. They have the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts (Gal 5:22-24).