Jump Start # 3581

1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”

As the apostle writes these final paragraphs to his young preacher friend, Timothy, he reminds him what matters. We need to know this. This world has a way of getting our order out of order. We pour so much energy and passion into the things that have no spiritual impact and no eternal value. It’s easy to do that.

Immediately following our verse today, ending on the word contentment, Paul transitions to the subject of money. He says:

• We came into this world with nothing and we take nothing when we leave (7)
• If we have food and clothing, we need to be content (8)
• Those who want to get rich get into trouble (9)
• The love of money is a root that can take over your life (10)
• Flee from these things and pursue the things that really matter (11)

Contentment is easy to recognize but sure is hard to grasp for ourselves. We are a culture that thrives on wanting things. And, most times, those things can be ordered from Amazon. We are told that Abraham died an old man, satisfied with life (Gen 25:8). Satisfied. Content. At peace.

Let’s give contentment some thought:

First, contentment is not another name for being lazy or lukewarm. God doesn’t like either one of those “L” words. Being content is not lacking drive, goals or vision. It’s easy to hide behind, “I’m content,” when I ought to be doing things for the Lord.

Second, some are content in the wrong areas. Sardis was a dead church. Other than the few faithful there, I don’t get the impression that being dead really bothered them. Some are content to live in a dump. I’ve been to some homes and wondered how could you live like this. Some are content to do nothing. Some are content with shallow preaching or even error.

This may be one of the major reasons why people do not change their lives. They are content. There is no reason to change when one is content. But when a person gets tired of the way they look in the mirror, then they might do something. When a person is tried of living paycheck to paycheck, always just a step away from being broke, then they will do something. But as long as they are content, nothing will happen. There is an old saying, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” That may be true, but if you make that horse thirsty, he’ll drink. Some can wallow with the pigs and never realize that they could live better. They could rejoice in the Lord and have hope and peace and love running through their veins. But that takes some work. It requires some effort. And, just laying in the mud with the pigs can be very satisfying for some people.

Third, great spiritual contentment will keep the glitter of the world from catching our eyes. Paul’s words, “Flee from these things,” tells us that the thirst to get rich, the love of money and drive to have, cannot satisfy. The apostle lists six things that the disciple ought to be after. None can be bought in a store. None can be put in a box and up on a shelf. They are qualities of the heart. They effect how we see ourselves and how we treat others. The list includes: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. Some of these very things are found in Peter’s list of virtues in 2 Peter 1. They are found sprinkled through the letters to the Ephesians and Colossians. These are the things that matter. These are the things that will make a difference. Available to all. Illustrated in the life of Jesus. It’s these things that we are after.

Godliness is great gain when accompanied with contentment, our verse tells us. Someone may be content, but not godly. And, I suppose someone might be godly, but not content. But when you put these two together and stir them up a bit in the heart of a disciple, great gain will take place.

This gain isn’t a number found on a 401 or bank account. This gain doesn’t sit washed and polished in a garage. This gain is seen in the way people are treated. This gain looks like service and sharing and help and love. This gain is brings family members together. This gain is the bridge of forgiveness that wounded hearts can meet on and find fellowship once again. This gain never stays within a person. It can’t. It bursts through the pores of helping others and following the Lord.

Godliness added with content equals great gain. That’s God’s math.

Roger