What do you and I think would be the greatest “gain” in this life? What does our culture say is the greatest earthly reward? Wealth, fame, position?
Paul told
Timothy that the most beneficial earthly position is godliness with contentment!
I Timothy 6:2b-10 These are the
things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone
teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our
Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are
conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in
controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife,
malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant
friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the
truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For
we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But
if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those
who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many
foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For
the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for
money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many
griefs.
The God of Grace is calling us to rejoice in our undeserved position as His child! Our pursuit of being Christ-like is rewarding for this life and the life to come, with or without earthly financial reward. Think how much peace we would have if we were truly content with what we have in Christ!
