“Godliness with contentment is great gain…”
I Tim. 6:6
Have you noticed that there are a lot of grumpy women everywhere? To complicate this mystery, even more, we are living in a day when women have more opportunities than ever before. To reveal the solution to this growing epidemic of female dissatisfaction, we must bring to light the distinction between secular and biblical womanhood.
Two Types Of Women
Whereas secular women depend on external success, the biblical woman creates her life within the guidelines of the Scriptures, recognizing “the fear of the Lord” (His approval) is her Source of completion. While the secular woman chases temporal success, the Biblical woman values eternal significance. The former can be found climbing that metaphorical ladder, while the biblical woman focuses on leaving a legacy for the next generation.
Let me quickly say that this has nothing to do with whether a woman works in or outside of her home, nor am I implying that secular women are not family-friendly or morally strong people. It’s just that their bottom line is more valuable to them than Biblical values.
Discontentment
Discontentment comes when you are feeling deprived, unappreciated, or overwhelmed. After all, it’s not easy to be happy when an unexpected visitor ties up your only free evening, when your relatives ridicule you or when your boss assigns you an unfair workload. Discontentment also comes when you receive a negative medical report and when loss comes barging in.
The Apostle Paul gives the Bible-believing woman the solution to discontentment. In I Timothy 6:6, we read, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” Godliness is a God-focused life. It grows, not through the pursuit of a process, but the presence of a Person. Contentment is a state of satisfaction that is anchored to our confidence in and desire to honor God, resulting in a joyful, celebration of life.
Contentment Is Learned
Contentment doesn’t come naturally. It’s a learned attribute. Paul said, while on house arrest and chained to a Roman soldier,
“…for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Ph. 4:11-13
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
Contentment Is Not About Possessions
Paul admonishes Timothy about the love of money that has plunged many into despair and destruction. It’s not wrong to have money, but it’s certainly destructive to allow money to have you. Prosperity with a purpose is God’s plan.
All women want “great gain,” but God’s girls look for it, not in their payroll or position, but the Prince of Peace.
Here are seven things about contentment (a sense of inward sufficiency) that will bring clarity to this life secret:
- Contentment is not about possessions.
- Contentment is not about circumstances.
- Contentment is not who you are, but rather whose you are.
- Contentment comes from learning to appreciate what you have in Christ.
- Contentment comes as His plan for our lives unfolds.
- Contentment comes as we understand the providence of God.
- Contentment grows as you anchor on the promises of God.
Do you want the Spark note version?
Don’t Compare.
Don’t Complain.
Don’t Compete.
There once was a king who was discontented. He was so anxious, he couldn’t sleep, rest or think. He gathered the wisest men in his kingdom and inquired of them what could be done. One very old and wise man said, “Find a man in your kingdom who is content, then wear his shirt for a day and a night and you will be content.” This pleased the king immensely so he dispatched several servants throughout his large kingdom, searching for such a person. Days blended into weeks before the servants returned. “Well,” said the king, “did you find the most contented man in my kingdom?” “Yes, sire,” his servant replied. “Where is his shirt?” asked the king.
The servant said, “He didn’t have one.”
A Surrendered Life
Ultimately, the “great gain” which comes with contentment finds its origin at the feet of Jesus Christ. It belongs to those who can genuinely pray, “Lord Jesus, I am yours. Wherever. Whatever. Whenever. With whoever. Forever.” After that prayer of commitment, learn to love what Jesus loves and hate what Jesus hates. Those who live only for His applause will enjoy unspeakable joy, great gain, and contentment throughout their days.
