November 14 2026

Saturday, November 14

The Great Gain of Godliness

1 Timothy 6:6–8

“Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”

What does it really mean to be wealthy? If we asked that question of a hundred different people, we would probably receive a hundred different answers. Some would measure wealth by the amount of money in their bank accounts. Others might think about the value of their homes, their investments, or their possessions. But in our Scripture passage today, the Apostle Paul gives us an entirely different perspective on what it means to be truly rich.

In 1 Timothy 6:6, Paul makes a remarkable statement: "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." What a wonderful truth! In the preceding verses, Paul warned Timothy about false teachers who viewed religion as an opportunity for financial profit. Now he explains that there really is great gain in godliness, but it is not the kind of gain those false teachers were seeking. It is the spiritual wealth that comes from knowing God and being satisfied with what He provides. Let's consider those two words: godliness and contentment.

Godliness refers to a life characterized by reverence for God and a desire to please Him. It is not simply an outward appearance of religion. It is an inward relationship with God that influences our daily conduct. Contentment is the ability to be satisfied with what God has entrusted to us, without constantly longing for something more. And notice that Paul joins these two qualities together. Godliness without contentment can become a life of constant frustration. We may love the Lord and yet spend our days worrying about what we do not have. But when godliness is accompanied by contentment, we discover a kind of wealth that money cannot purchase.

I love what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11–13. He explained that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he found himself. He knew what it was to have plenty, and he knew what it was to suffer need. And then he declared that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. Notice that Paul said he had learned contentment. It did not necessarily come naturally or immediately. Contentment is something God develops in our hearts as we learn to trust Him through the changing circumstances of life.

Then in verse 7, Paul reminds us of a truth that every one of us knows but sometimes forgets. We brought nothing into this world, and we certainly cannot carry anything out of it. Think about that for a moment. When a baby is born, that child arrives without a single earthly possession. And when our earthly life comes to an end, everything we have accumulated must be left behind. Our homes, our automobiles, our bank accounts, and all our earthly treasures will eventually belong to someone else.

Job understood this truth when he said in Job 1:21 that he came into the world with nothing and would depart the same way. But Job also recognized that everything he had received was ultimately from the Lord. That is the perspective Paul wants us to have. Everything we possess is temporary, but our relationship with Jesus Christ is eternal.

Then in verse 8, Paul writes that having food and clothing, we should be content. Now, Paul is not teaching that it is wrong to own a home, save money, or provide responsibly for our families. In fact, earlier in this letter he emphasized the importance of caring for those in our households. Rather, he is reminding us that our happiness should not depend upon an endless accumulation of material possessions. There will always be something newer, bigger, faster, or more expensive that we could desire. But if our contentment depends upon obtaining the next thing, we will never truly be satisfied.

Jesus addressed this very issue in Matthew 6 when He encouraged His followers not to be consumed with anxiety over food, clothing, and the necessities of life. Instead, He instructed us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What a beautiful promise that is! Our Heavenly Father knows what we need, and we can trust Him to care for us. As I think about these verses, I am reminded that some of the happiest Christians I have ever known possessed very little of this world's wealth. And yet they were rich in faith, rich in love, rich in gratitude, and rich in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The richest person in the world is not necessarily the one who has the most, but the one who has learned to be satisfied in Christ. So today, instead of concentrating on what you do not have, take a moment to thank God for what He has already given you. And above everything else, thank Him for the greatest gift of all: eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let's pray. Our loving Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that true wealth is not measured by earthly possessions but by our relationship with You. Forgive us for the times we have allowed our hearts to become dissatisfied with Your blessings. Teach us to be content in every circumstance and to trust You for our daily needs. Help us to recognize that everything we possess comes from Your gracious hand. May our greatest joy always be found in knowing and serving the Lord Jesus Christ. In His precious name we pray. Amen.

God bless you, and may you have a wonderful, wonderful day!