GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT
IS GREAT GAIN
Elder Dale E. Magers
How happy are you in your everyday life? Do you worry about making a lot of money? The Apostle Paul in 1st Timothy 6:5 has just told us, “Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” Paul’s admonition is followed in verse six: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” How can we be contented with what we have? Paul tells Timothy in verse seven: “For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain we can take nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us therewith be content.”
It seems today in our society that we admire most those who are rich. But in verse nine Paul tells us, “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” The snare of Satan is this lusting after money and wealth. Paul describes this snare in verse ten: “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”
Please note that Paul does not say money is the root of all evil, but the love of money is the root of all evil. In verse eleven, Paul says to Timothy, “Flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
Later on in verse 17, Paul tells Timothy, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” To those who are rich in this world, Paul adds, “That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.”
Paul teaches us that we brought nothing into this world and we certainly can take nothing out. Is there anything that you have that God did not give you? He also taught in Job: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither.” God supplies our every need. Let us trust in him. AMEN. Submitted by Elder Mark Green.