But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
“Contentment has to do with the externalities of life. It is the cure for covetousness, which is idolatry. The gain toward which a Christian pastor and his congregation must, therefore, strive is to be defined in spiritual terms, godliness with contentment. The true gain which religion affords is never primarily material. It may be true that physical and material well-being are the by-products of a proper relationship with God and fellow man. Nevertheless, the emphasis of this passage is upon the truth that the primary gain bestowed by true religion is in terms of godly living, which gives a man a sense of adequacy that produces contentment. He is then trusting not in the abundance of things which he possesses but in the grace of God which is able to make him adequate to supply his own needs.”
Charles A. Trentham quoting Francis Peabody in Studies in Timothy (Nashville: Convention Press, 1959) 74.
I found this old commentary on the letters to Timothy on my shelf and realized that I had never read it. I am reading it linked to the passages on money, contentment, and generosity.
Today it reminds us that contentment links to externalities or things. When we think we need things, we will always be discontent. We will never find peace or experience well-being.
Such are the benefits of covetousness, which in plain terms is life that says, “I have not enough.” It’s not only idolatrous thinking, it’s a miserable way to live.
Alternatively, Trentham is saying the gift of knowing Christ is that we can say “I have enough” to live a peaceful, joy-filled, godly and productive life.
It does not mean we will always enjoy an abundance of physical and material blessings. It simply means we can rest in the truth of this verse from Hebrews, because we have Christ with us always.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Whenever externalities try to get you of track, just proclaim, “Enough!” You know the things that try to lure you of track. Don’t let it happen. You have enough when you have Christ.
I fly to Seattle today and back Monday. Connecting with a long-time friend and giver to GTP, John Frank, and his wife Leslie. But that’s only part of the reason for going.
I’m also connecting Paula Mendoza and Trevor Lui, who coordinator Spanish and Chinese teams for GTP, with Rob Martin and his wife Bev. Rob was a GTP founding board member and is a mentor to me.
Praying for a priceless time together.