Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us therewith be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts that drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some have coveted after, have pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Paul, 1Timothy 6:7-10; 6:6
“For there is nothing better than for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”
Ecclesiastes 2:24
To pursue worldly wealth is to chase an empty, vanishing dream. No one wants poverty, but it is just as prudent not to desire riches. Solomon’s wise friend, Agur, made this wise petition to God: “Give me neither poverty nor riches! Feed me with food convenient for me, lest I be full and deny You, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain” (Prov. 30:8b-9).
No man can from the heart pray such a prayer as Agur prayed unless he is completely satisfied with knowing God and being like Him. Agur, and those like him, are rich in the way that counts. They are rich in righteousness, rich in peace, and rich in joy at simply being close to God. This is what Paul meant when he wrote that “godliness with contentment is great gain.”
A person who is truly happy just to be like Jesus is a wealthy person. He is wealthy with the sort of wealth that the grave cannot take away, the “enduring riches” promised by the Spirit of Christ to those who love God when he spoke through David to his son Solomon, “Riches and honor are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness” (Prov. 8:18).
The difference between content hearts and discontent hearts is not the amount of money or worldly status that one possesses; the difference is the measure of contentment with godliness that is in the heart. To become a godly person is a blessing. But to live a godly life and be content with godliness is to be blessed beyond measure.