To be content means “being in a state of satisfaction and peaceful happiness.” The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians, “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11). To be content begins with the understanding that everything around us – the things we can see, feel, touch, and handle are at best temporary. Paul also wrote to Timothy, “Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Godliness should be the high priority of every believer in Jesus Christ. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and these things will be added” (Matthew 6:33).
Let’s consider what Godliness is. Firstly, for a person to be “godly” and live a godly life, he/she must be “born again,” that is, having trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. At that point, the Holy Spirit of God indwells that person for spiritual guidance, counsel, revelation. Godliness is the worship and fear of God Almighty, which is of tremendous benefits to all believers. And, “fighting the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called” (1 Timothy 6:12). A godly person lives a God-honoring” life, as God has clearly declared, “Those who honor Me, I will honor,” and there is this warning, “and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed” (1 Samuel 2:30).
With godliness comes contentment. Not the contentment the world offers. The Bible says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out” (1Timothy 6:6-7). Sadly, we live in a culture where everything revolves around money. The greed for money in America defies all odds. So many have gone to prison for corruptive practices because of “the love of money which is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Note, it is the love of money – not the money itself. Money of itself is not a bad thing. Why do people gamble. Why do people steal. Why do people deceive? Why is there fraud? All these questions are based on the love of money and the love of the things that money can purchase.
Contentment and godliness are inseparable. We are exhorted to “Keep free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). A godly person trusts and believes God, taking Him at His word, and claiming His promises, “for all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen (so let it be), to the glory of God through us” (1 Corinthians 1:20).
In writing about the believer’s sufficiency through Jesus Christ, Paul wrote, “I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be brought low and I know how to abound In any and every circumstance. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Philippians 4:11-12). Paul is a fine example of what godliness with contentment is all about. As he demonstrates, being content is not dependent on negative or positive circumstances, but rather having the assurance that “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
“Little is much when God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it, If you go in Jesus Name. (Kittie Louise Suffield (1884-1972).