Hey everyone.

Welcome to my first blog.

I read something in I Timothy 6:6 that I have been thinking about a lot, and I wanted to share it.  The verse itself says, "But godliness with contentment is great gain."  This statement by itself is really good, but it is even better if we understand the context in which Paul says it.  He is talking about the love of money.

Paul says in verse 5 that some preach out of a desire for financial gain, using their supposed godliness as a means to make a profit.  In verse 6 however Paul says that real gain, or real wealth is godliness combined with contentment.  There is a contrast here between those who seek money and those who seek godliness.  Money can't buy contentment.  Paul goes on to say that we should be content with food and clothing.  (These are the two things Jesus promises us in Matt 6 if we seek his kingdom first.)  Those who aren't content with those things fall into a trap, according to Paul (verse 9).

There is nothing wrong with having money or possessions, or buying newer or better thing.  But in my own experience I have thought at times, "If I only had this thing, I will really be happy." But then when I got it, I didn't find happiness, just a desire for something else.   It is much better that we should learn to be content with whatever God gives us.  Because godliness combined with contentment is gain that money can't buy.

Tom