Contentment

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (I Timothy 6: 6-10)

"Having food and raiment," said Paul, "let us be therewith content." Some are never contented, for they never have enough. They are always trying "to keep up with the Joneses." Peace and contentment go together like a horse and carriage.

People are generally spoiled, at least in the Western nations. The Bible warns us - "Labor not to be rich." (Proverbs 23: 4) Why not? For the very reasons given in the warning by Paul above. Men "fall into temptation."

"...give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD ?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God." (Proverbs 30: 8,9)

"Give me neither poverty nor riches," prayed Solomon. Give me what I need, my daily bread. Do not make me wealthy lest I become proud, too independent, and say "Who is the Lord?" Do not make me poor "lest I steal." Of course, God did make Solomon wealthy, but not because he sought it, but because he sought it not.

Oftentimes our wealth comes when we quit seeking it. "Mammon" is the name given to the "god of money." Many people serve that god as much as any Christian serves Jesus. I wish Christians served God with the same enthusiasm and zeal that the covetous show in the quest for wealth! Or even praised God with the thrill of the sports fanatic!

No, I am glad that I am contented. Jesus said, "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things (food, raiment, etc.) shall all be added unto you. For after all these things do the Gentiles seek."

Most men set their hearts on their possessions and today a man is measured by his financial statement. By this standard the man Jesus was an utter failure for he owned only the clothes on his back. But Jesus wisely said: "A man's life consists not in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Luke 12: 15)

The true measure of a man's life is in his inner peace and fellowship with God, in his spiritual possessions. Did not Jesus say, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth where theives steal and rust corrupts, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven"? (Matthew 6: 19) To be "rich in faith" and "rich in wisdom" is far better than all the rubies and diamonds in the world.

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13: 5)

The preaching of "contentment" should be a large part of the message of the minister. It was with John the Baptist. When sinners came to him and asked "what shall we do?" John the Baptist responded saying - "...be content with your wages." (Luke 3: 14)

Friends, are you covetous? "Covetousness is idolatry," wrote the apostle. (Colossians 3: 5) Are you "laboring to be rich"? Has your lust for wealth brought you anything but heartache and sorrow? Has it not been a "snare" to your soul? Do you not realize that a person who is not content with food and clothing is not a happy soul?

Paul gave us the equation for peace and happiness. He said "godliness with contentment is great gain." In other words, godliness + contentment = great gain.