But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
“God is rich in all things good, and He shares these continuously with us. Not only does He supply our material needs, but even more, He gives us riches in the things that matter most, such as faith, love, mercy, grace, goodwill, kindness. The degree to which we value these gifts versus the monetary gifts is a measure of our progress. . . Be assured, the wealth of this world will end. One day, it will be completely extinguished, never again to rise and distract us. The wealth found in godliness, however, will never end.”
Richard Swenson in Contentment: The Secret to a Lasting Calm (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2013) chapter 6.
When the plague subsides, one can only wonder if people will resume their pursuit of more financial wealth or if they will instead pursue more godliness.
The wealth of this world, as Swenson puts it, will end and be completely extinguished. Naked we are born and naked we depart. What will you pursue in between?
Decide now. Be content with food and covering. Choose to go after godliness. It’s countercultural in every society, but the way to peace, life, and generosity.
I am thankful for my wife and her pursuit of godliness and helping others as Soulcare Anchoress. I am praying for her today as she speaks online to Denver Seminary chapel.
Whether you tune into podcasts, webinars, blogs, or other channels for spiritual enrichment in lockdown, dig into the Word of God to find the only thing that satisfies.