10/26 1 Timothy 6:6-7

⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain, ⁷ for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

This is the formula for a fulfilling life: godliness with contentment. Paul gives Timothy a reason that backs this statement. "We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world." Amassing material goods will not help your eternal condition. The Pharaohs were buried with a great amount of worldly goods. Those things are now in museums. We labor for wealth to bring security, but wealth can't buy security from illness or circumstances.

Godliness benefits us now and in the world to come. It keeps us from the destructiveness of sin and gives us peace of mind about our inevitable death. Sin causes a kind of increased craving for things in this world. That results in constant discontent. But godliness results in contentment. Contentment in our circumstances is priceless and comes from trust in God who loves and cares for us.

When our satisfaction is found in God, we can appreciate the simple pleasures of life. We find pleasure in God and His goodness on a continual basis. We also experience joy as we see His gracious, loving hand at work in our lives. Whether we have little or plenty, godliness with contentment makes us the richest people on earth.

Consider: Are you experiencing this contentment? If not, it is often because we have set our sights on some physical thing to satisfy us rather than the only One who is big enough to fill us to the full.