byWhat comes to mind when you think about the statement “godliness with contentment is great gain”, as written in 1 Timothy 6:6? For many believers, they jump to the conclusion that Christianity is for poor people because of the word “contentment”. But is that what the scripture means by saying that? Let’s delve deeper into this.
The definition of contentment
According to 1 Timothy 6:6, where I got the inspiration to write this article, the word “contentment” in the scripture means self-satisfaction or self-sufficiency. So, contentment’s definition from scripture has nothing to do with whether a person has more or fewer resources, but is actually about a person having enough resources to become satisfied.
Do you know that the living standards of people vary? For someone, a well-paying job is enough for them to survive, thrive and do well in life. For another, it’s a job plus a side business. A child may not need a car at ten years old and will do just fine. But a parent with three kids might need a vehicle to make life easier for the family. You see that living conditions are different for everyone. Greed, the opposite of contentment, steps in when a person, even after having everything they need to live a self-sufficient life, craves more without any connection to purpose.
Linking your possessions with purpose
God’s will in each believer’s life is to do well, but not to be carried over by mere earthly possessions. In other words, He wants every believer to live sufficient lives without basing their identity in the things they have or the achievements they have made. Sometimes, this is difficult for many, especially people with low incomes, when they get a sudden elevation without character depth. In other words, some people suddenly become proud when they get to high places of influence. They forget where God took them from and lifted them to where they are now. Don’t let that be your case.
One of the secrets that will help you remain content is to link every possession you have or get to your divine purpose.
One of the secrets that will help you remain content is to link every possession you have or get to your divine purpose. Question yourself about the reason behind your desires, wants, needs and purchases (both material and immaterial). For instance, how will getting a car make it easier to help you fulfil your purpose? Or, how will getting a website suit your business needs? If you can trace the motive behind your desires to God’s purpose for you, moving forward to achieve them won’t be driven by greed, but by godliness. That is where you’ll still gain more as you live.
Trust God for provision.
Life comes with lots of things to do. Sometimes, your needs will exceed what you can afford, and if you don’t take care, you might end up borrowing to spend and end up accumulating debts that’ll be pressing your neck in the future. Learn to wait on God to provide and help you fulfil all the dreams and visions He has given you. He will never put you to shame.
You’re a blessing!
