GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT
Kyle Laws
Today’s Scripture: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” 1 Timothy 6:6, ESV
Theme: Comparison makes us discontented; contentment builds joy.
GODLINESS
Godliness is not just moral behavior. It’s the posture of a heart that reveres God and desires to reflect His character in every area of life. “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8, ESV). Godliness grows as we surrender our old ways and invite the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, words, and actions into the likeness of Christ. Before I knew Jesus, I was driven by selfish desires and patterns that led only to emptiness. But the more I walk with Him, the more my heart changes. His Word rewires our minds; His Spirit renews our motives; and His love replaces what once controlled us. Godliness isn’t perfection - it’s a daily pursuit of knowing Him more deeply, trusting Him more fully, and allowing His nature to shine through us even in weakness.
CONTENTMENT
Our focus often drifts towards chasing temporary, material things as if they are the source of fulfillment, yet Paul writes, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world” (1 Timothy 6:7, ESV). This verse serves as a powerful anchor against worldly desires. When we truly grasp that our hands arrive empty and will leave this world empty, the fierce urgency to accumulate and possess begins to fade. Every breath, every resource, every dollar, and every relationship is not really ours; they are God’s gifts entrusted to us. This awareness - that nothing here is ours, but it all belongs to God - transforms us from fearful owners into faithful stewards. It allows us to manage resources with open hands and generous hearts, free from greedy desires which corrupt. Contentment grows as we learn to trust that what God provides is always enough for this moment. It doesn’t mean we stop dreaming or working, but that we stop striving out of fear!
GREAT GAIN
Godliness and contentment are inseparable partners in discovering the true and lasting gain of Christ. Godliness - the active pursuit of knowing and becoming more like Christ - ensures our desires are aligned with eternal truth. Contentment - the quiet satisfaction with God’s provision - keeps our focus entirely present, unburdened by the anxiety of lack or the pressure of acquisition.
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV), My wife and I often tell each other, “I love you more today than I have ever loved you!” The same is true with our relationship with Jesus Christ! We know Him today more than we did yesterday, yet the revelation of who Jesus is will never end - He is infinite and inexhaustible. Therefore, if we want to know Him more, we must intentionally seek Him daily. We entered this world with nothing and will leave the same. Yet through Christ, we lose nothing of true value, for He Himself is our great gain!
Make It Personal: True gain isn’t found in the things we can accumulate, but in the transformation that happens when our hearts rest in Christ. Thank God for what He has given you, and take a moment today to pause and ask yourself: “Am I chasing contentment through things that can fade - or am I finding it in the presence of Christ?”
Pray: Father, thank You for teaching us that true gain is found in You alone. Help us to release our grip on the things of this world and rest in Your perfect provision. Shape our hearts to desire godliness more than comfort, and contentment more than control. You are enough, God! In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Read: 1 Timothy 6:6-7, 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 2 Peter 3:18
Weekly Memory Verse: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1-2, ESV