But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. —1 Timothy 6:6-7
This verse refers to the love of money being the root of all kinds of evil. At the heart of wanting and loving money more than God is unbelief. There is no godliness with contentment in this world apart from the saving sacrifice of Christ and obedience to the teaching that accords with godliness.
Matthew Henry comments: “Money of itself answers nothing; it will neither feed nor clothe; but, as it is the instrument of commerce, it answers all the occasions of this present life. What is to be had may be had for money. But it answers nothing to the soul; it will not procure the pardon of sin, the favor of God, the peace of conscience; the soul, as it is not redeemed, so it is not maintained, with corruptible things as silver and gold.”
The Bible says: “You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:2b-3). While our souls are regenerate, our flesh is not. Therefore, my desires are sin-tainted. Jesus alone accomplished a life of pure desire and motive: the will of His Father.
Imagine what life in this day would be like if there was absolute trust in the Lord for everything needed and all our heart longings were according to His perfect will and commands? One day “the peace of God which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:27) will be everlasting and without fleshly struggle. That promise gives hope and assurance of what will be when we are with our Lord face to face.
For now, true godliness with contentment is only possible when we seek God with our whole heart, mind, and soul and love Him above all else. Let’s pray to flee from sin and the love of money, cling to Jesus and the Word, trust the Holy Spirit to counsel, and be content with our lot in life. Let’s encourage one another with grateful hearts to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12: 1). Let’s heed the wise words of Paul to his young charge, Timothy, and remember that “naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return” (Job 1:21).
May we use and enjoy the spiritual and material gifts we have been given to further the Kingdom work of our Father who is the great provider of all things.
For Reflection
What is the “great gain” referred to in this text?
What do I treasure and what attitudes need to change?
Am I willing to memorize and burn this message into my heart?