Contentment

“Now godliness combined with contentment brings great profit. For we have brought nothing into this world and so we cannot take a single thing out either.” 

(1 Timothy 6:6-7, NET)

Note that godliness combined with contentment brings great gain. Contentment alone does not do this. We may be quite contented watching TV or scrolling through our cell phones, even when we need to be doing something else. As human beings we have the ability to be content in our sins. But being content in our laziness, self-pity, self-deception, and self-will does not bring gain, but rather misfortune and loss.   

Some people live contented, assured lives, satisfied their rejection of God will not ultimately matter. They deceive themselves into thinking judgment and hell do not exist.  Yet one day, on judgment day, they will come face to face with a holy God and find it is too late. 

Others are content with false religions based upon what I do instead of what Jesus has done.  Self-appointed righteousness brings deadening of the soul, loss of eternal life, and an eternal punishment of suffering for my own sins, because I refused to accept the One who once suffered in my place.   

In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul wrote, “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (HCSB)

Godliness comes by knowing and walking with Jesus. He alone brings peace and contentment to my soul. Godliness combined with contentment is greatly profitable in all things.