What is the Bible on this topic? In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes: “But 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).
No newborn is able to bring anything into the world. Neither can the deceased take anything out of the world. This is a stark reality of life that no one can deny or change. Perhaps some may even try to prove otherwise.
Paul. Said: “For I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content” (Philippians 4:11).
Godliness is the key to a rich spiritual life. Paul said: “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7,8).
Note what the apostle is saying; “godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
The dictionary defines godliness as the quality of being devoutly religious. This means godliness can be applied to a person who is sincerely and genuinely committed to his or her complete trust and confidence in God.
One has to be careful not to “mix” godliness and being religious. Here’s the reason. I can be religious without actually believing in the God of the holy Scriptures. For example, it is a known fact that some people worship the sun, moon and stars as their god. While others choose to worship other forms of nature or an image of a god. These people are very religious in their beliefs and thoughts.
In Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill, he observed the people to be very religious with objects of their worship, including an altar with the inscription “to the unknown god.” Paul pointed out that God “being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything” (Acts 17:24,25).
Doesn’t the same hold true today? God told Israel, and the same is applicable to us today; “I am the LORD your God . . . You shall have no other gods before me” (Exodus 20:2,3). This means absolutely nothing or anyone is to be placed before God.
“God must be first in everything we do,” writes Charles Stanley, “because intimacy with God is His highest priority for our lives. We are to honor God above anything else that exists, treat His name reverently and set Him as our ultimate authority” (The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Bible NKJV, pg. 91).
The apostle said: “godliness with contentment is great gain. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” A person’s basic needs are classified as food, clothing, and shelter.
Consider, if you will, the word contentment, which means being in a state of happiness and satisfaction. “Godliness without contentment would give a one-sided testimony. Contentment without godliness would not be distinctively Christian at all. But to have real godliness and at the same time to be satisfied with one’s personal circumstances is more than money can buy” (William MacDonald).
The godly person realizes that his God and heavenly Father is fully aware of his basic needs as well as other needs too. The Scripture says:
The Christian who lives a life of godliness with contentment, will not be anxious for anything, but seeks first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and his heavenly Father will provide all the essentials of life for him. (Matthew 6:34).
Godliness is more about God and less about ourselves. The Scripture says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
“Thanking and praising God for everything for what happens does not mean that you understand why everything happens. When your heart cries out, “Why?” God often says, “Just trust me; have not I kept the world running long enough to handle these problems in your life?” (Today Can Be Different Harold J. Sala (March 4) Regal Books Ventura, CA 93006)