Great Gain

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1Timothy 6:6 ESV)

Can we exist in the separation of the two?  Godliness without contentment, or gain without godliness, is it possible to have either and remain a Christian without the other? Perhaps we need both to progress in sanctification. To glorify God, I would insist we need both.

Our satisfaction with God is the greatest form of glorification as an inward expression to God and an outward expression to those around us. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus told us, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” So, we have been charged with letting that light shine to the world. That light is our contentment and satisfaction with God.

Jonathan Edwards wrote, “God is the highest good of the reasonable creature. The enjoyment of him is our proper happiness and is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here: better than fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of any or all earthly friends. These are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams; but God is the sun. These are but streams; but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean. Therefore, it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey towards heaven.” (WJE 17:437–38)

God, in His perfection, never lies and always fulfills His promises. In contrast, we, as imperfect beings, are bound to disappoint, no matter how hard we try. This stark contrast underscores our constant need for His grace and our reliance on Him.

Desires get in the way, and the idols of the world instill want and covetous behavior. I have come to detest the words “I want.” Those words lead people down a path away from God. “I want this,” “They have that, why can I not have it as well,” “I need that.” These are feelings centered on gain, worldly gain which steals our godliness. Godliness without gain is essentially the same. Oh, I love God, but I need this to make me happy; otherwise, I will not be content.

Paul was no fool, and the Holy Spirit was most certainly at work in Paul, for his words force one to look in a mirror. Nothing can surpass our happiness when we are content or fully satisfied with our life in Jesus Christ. Our satisfaction in God is something we should actively seek. We seek it in His word and the ever-increasing knowledge of who our God is and why we should be satisfied in Him alone. Maybe there should be a sixth Sola: We are satisfied in Christ alone.

When I look at my life, there are things I would like to have. I do not need to have them and would never ignore my God to get them. On the contrary, I count on God to determine if and when they are good or bad for me to possess. He will tell me, and He does it often.

There are things I need and desperately desire. I need my Savior, and I desire to be more like Him if that is possible for me. I do not know my own heart, but I trust my Savior because he does know my heart. In Christ, I have peace and contentment; I am satisfied. Are you?

If you do not know the satisfaction, peace, and joy of Jesus Christ, seek him. He will change your whole life for the better.

Grace and Peace!