The verse 1 Timothy 6:6 states “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” This verse packs a lot of meaning into just a few words. Let’s break it down phrase by phrase to understand the full significance.
Godliness
The first key word is “godliness.” What exactly does this mean? The Greek word translated as godliness here is “eusebeia.” It conveys the idea of piety, reverence, and devotion to God. A godly person is someone who is committed to pleasing God with their thoughts, words, and actions. They seek to live a holy life according to God’s standards. Godliness means having a healthy fear of and respect for God and striving to become more like Christ.
Some characteristics of godly living according to the Bible include:
- Reading, believing, and obeying God’s Word (Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1:2)
- Prayer, communion, and worship of God (1 Thessalonians 5:17, John 4:23)
- Repentance and pursuit of personal holiness (2 Corinthians 7:1, 1 Peter 1:16)
- Bearing spiritual fruit such as love, joy, peace (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Using one’s gifts and resources to honor God (1 Corinthians 10:31, Matthew 25:14-30)
- Avoiding sin and temptation (Psalm 101:3, 1 Thessalonians 5:22)
In summary, godliness means devoting one’s whole life to serving, pleasing, and glorifying God in every area. It is about pursuing a personal relationship with God and reflecting His holy character.
Contentment
The second key phrase is “with contentment.” Contentment is an attitude of being satisfied with what you have and accepting your circumstances. The Greek word translated “contentment” here conveys the idea of self-sufficiency and having enough resources so as not to need aid or support.
A content person is not driven by selfish ambition to acquire more possessions, money, status, or comfort. They are not jealous of what others have. Rather, they are peaceful, grateful, and satisfied with God graciously providing for their needs. As 1 Timothy 6:8 says, “But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
Contentment flows from trusting in God’s sovereignty and believing that He knows what is best for us. Even in times of need, the content person relies on God to sustain them. As Philippians 4:11-13 states:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Rather than constantly wanting more, the content person is freed up to enjoy what they already have. Contentment leads to gratitude rather than greed. It brings peace and stability rather than anxiety and coveting what we don’t have.
Great Gain
Putting godliness and contentment together results in “great gain” according to this verse. When our devotion and obedience to God is coupled with being satisfied in Him, it brings immense benefit and blessing. Consider some of the valuable gains of godly contentment:
- Freedom from materialism – Not being enslaved to desire for more possessions or wealth.
- Less stress – Being content reduces worry, anxiety and discontentment.
- Strong faith – Reliance on God’s provision deepens faith and trust in His goodness.
- Lasting joy – Joy and thankfulness in God is not fleeting like happiness based on circumstances.
- Generous living – Contentment allows us to be more generous and share with those in need.
- Clear purpose – Devotion to God gives a sense of meaning and direction in life.
- Hope of heaven – A godly focus leads to longing for eternity with God.
In summary, godliness with contentment frees us from destructive desires and dependence on temporary things. It simplifies our lives to focus on what matters most – our relationship with God. When we find satisfaction and sufficiency in God, we gain contented hearts, freedom from anxiety, generous spirits, and an eternal perspective. Godliness and contentment together unlock the abundant life God desires for us. As Jesus said in John 10:10, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
Biblical Examples
There are several examples in the Bible of godly people who demonstrate contentment that led to great gain:
Paul
The apostle Paul provides one of the best examples of godly contentment. Though he faced major hardships and deprivation as he spread the gospel, Paul learned to be content in all circumstances through Christ strengthening him (Philippians 4:10-13). He pursued godliness by running the race to win an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). By finding his satisfaction in serving Christ, he gained contentment and joy despite trials.
Abraham
Abraham trusted God’s promises and lived as a sojourner on earth, awaiting the heavenly country designed by God (Hebrews 11:8-10). Though extremely wealthy, Abraham was content to follow God’s call obediently. His godliness and faith led to blessings and offspring as numerous as the stars (Hebrews 11:11-12).
Job
After losing all his possessions and children, Job still blessed the name of the Lord in contentment (Job 1:20-22). He recognized God as the giver and taker of all things. Job gained a deeper knowledge of God through patient endurance (Job 42:1-6).
Hebrews 11 Saints
Hebrews 11 commends many saints who exhibited godly contentment. Though they experienced mockings, imprisonment, poverty and martyrdom, they trusted in God’s promises and hoped for the reward of heaven (Hebrews 11:35-16). Their godliness despite earthly deprivation gained them an eternal inheritance.
Cultivating Godliness and Contentment
How can we cultivate godliness and Christ-centered contentment in our own lives? Here are some practical tips:
- Spend consistent time reading Scripture and praying to develop intimacy with God.
- Obey God’s commands with gratitude out of love for Him.
- Confess and repent of sins quickly to restore fellowship with God.
- Focus thoughts on God’s truth, goodness, and promises rather than circumstances.
- Practice thankfulness regularly for what God has given.
- Rejoice in the Lord always as a lifestyle, not just a feeling (Philippians 4:4).
- Trust that God is sovereign, wise and good no matter what happens.
- Be generous and share with others in need to gain eternal riches in heaven.
- Find identity and worth in being a child of God rather than achievements or possessions.
- Meditate on the joys of eternity with God to gain eternal perspective.
As we earnestly pursue intimacy with God and contentment in Him, this results in unfading joy and priceless gain, both now and for eternity.
Warnings About Discontentment
Since godliness with contentment is so beneficial, the Bible gives strong warnings about discontentment and ungodly desires:
- Discontentment reveals a distrust of God – It means we don’t believe God will take care of us or know what is best (Matthew 6:25-34).
- Discontentment demonstrates a lack of faith – Faith means resting in God’s character and promises. Discontent reveals we aren’t satisfied with God’s provision (Philippians 4:19).
- Discontentment leads to temptation and sin – Craving more opens us up to greed, envy, stealing, and coveting (Exodus 20:17, James 1:14-15).
- Discontentment prevents us from enjoying life – Always wanting more robs us of the ability to enjoy what we have now as gifts from God (Ecclesiastes 6:9).
- Discontentment is rooted in pride -It places our desires above God’s wisdom and plan for our lives.
- Discontentment makes us ungrateful – Craving more overlooks all the ways God has already blessed us.
- Discontentment makes earthly things into false gods – Wanting possessions, money or status most makes these things our idols instead of God.
Rather than leading to gain, discontentment causes us to miss out on many blessings and leads only to more lust and emptiness. Therefore, we must diligently pursue godliness with contentment to experience great gain.
Contentment is Not Laziness
While godly contentment frees us from selfish ambition and worry, that does not mean we should become complacent or lazy. Contentment does not mean we cease working hard or striving to use our gifts and resources for God’s purposes. Paul says in Philippians 4:11-12 that he learned the secret of contentment in “any and every circumstance.” This included times with plenty and times in need, abundance and hunger. Contentment transcends our earthly circumstances, but does not replace working diligently.
The key is being content with whatever God graciously provides as we work heartily for His glory. Colossians 3:23 tells us: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 also says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Godliness with contentment enables us to work vigorously while resting in God’s provision and timing rather than striving for earthly gain.
Conclusion
In summary, godliness with contentment is truly great gain according to 1 Timothy 6:6. A life devoted to pursuing intimacy with God and finding sufficiency in Him yields freedom, gratitude, generosity, joy, and an eternal perspective. Discontentment and selfish desires lead only to sin and emptiness.
Though godliness with contentment is a lifelong process, we can experience more gain by consistently spending time with God, trusting His goodness, confessing sins, giving thanks, meditating on His promises, and seeking to obey His Word. As our knowledge and love of God grows and our roots in Him deepen, discontentment is replaced with overflowing joy and satisfaction in our All-sufficient Savior and greatest treasure.