Godliness With Contentment: The True Riches

3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness,

4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,

5 and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.

8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.

9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:3-11 NASB

In a world driven by endless desires and constant pursuit of wealth, it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race, losing sight of what truly matters. The Word of God warns us against being drawn into the dangerous traps of greed and materialism.

1 Timothy 6:3-11 reminds us that advocating for anything other than the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ leads to envy, strife, and destruction. But in contrast, godliness, when coupled with contentment, is a source of great gain. After all, we brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out of it. If we have food and covering, let us be content and thankful.

The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil, distracting many from the faith, leading to unmet expectations and heartbreaks, and causing deep sorrow.

Instead of promoting teachings that stir up undue cravings for wealth and material gains, promising people what God never promised, let us, as people of God, staying with sound doctrine, flee from these temptations and pursue what truly lasts: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

Remember, the true riches lie not in our bank accounts but in our hearts, filled with the fruits of a life that honours God and fulfills His purpose.

Let’s embrace godliness with contentment, knowing it brings the greatest gain and fulfillment.

Credit: Rev. Ugochukwu Odimba