“Now godliness with contentment is great gain… But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”
1 Timothy 6:6, 11

Godliness is often translated as piety, reverence, or likeness to God. It describes true holiness, spirituality, and virtue. The word contentment means “an inner self-sufficiency.” It was often used to describe a person who is at peace inwardly and not moved by outward circumstances—a person who properly responds to his or her environment.

When we combine these two words, godliness and contentment, we learn that both are to be evident in our lives as followers of Jesus Christ. We are to have “a lifestyle that consistently reflects the character of God.”

Paul goes on to give four truths that help us live contented Christian lives that consistently reflect the character of God.

First, we learn that contentment does not come from possessions or wealth. Contentment comes from a godly life that trusts and depends upon God in every circumstance (2 Cor. 3:5; Phil. 4:11).

Second, material things do not last; they are temporary. We brought nothing into the world, and we will take nothing material out of it (Job 1:21; Ps. 49:17; Eccl. 5:15).

Third, the Lord faithfully meets our basic needs. The Lord Jesus said, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matt. 6:25–26).

Fourth, in verses 9–10, Paul uses the word desire, which carries the thought of “at any cost” or “a fixed determination.” A desire to be rich can lead to sin in our lives. Paul warns that such a desire can become a snare that leads to harmful lusts and cravings, resulting in spiritual ruin and destruction.

In contrast, Paul challenges Timothy—and us—in verse 11 with the right desires and pursuits that ought to characterize those who follow Christ: “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”

Anchor For Today:
Christian contentment is a sweet, inward frame of spirit, which submits to and delights in God’s disposal in every condition.