"Godliness with contentment is great gain.” (v.6)
"How can people find true contentment, no matter what their circumstances?"
It is true that godliness is great gain; but only when accompanied by contentment. When one does not live by “the itch for more,” and one’s life is not dominated by shopping for and acquiring material things, we can have the kind of contentment in God and in His will for our lives.
True contentment is not in having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have. In other words, how much we possess is not as important as our attitude toward our possessions. And, whether we are rich or poor, as Christians we must humbly acknowledge Him as the source of all we have, and share willingly and generously with others (vv.17-18).
Few people seem able to treat their resources as a servant instead of a master, nor recognize the truth that, “we brought nothing into this world and we will carry nothing out” (v.7). But Paul tells us, “those who do good works, are generous and are ready to share, are storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed” (v.19).
The challenge with regard to contentment is living with thankful hearts to God and open hands to others. It isn’t getting what we want but being satisfied with what we have.
The Truth: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.” (Matthew 6:24)
