But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

What are the steps to success? How can one have a good life? Does it take education, the right connections, and proper resources? What about wealth, health, and talents? Surely the right combination of these could lead to success and a good life. Right?

But what if the Bible has the winning combination? Paul informs Timothy that great gain comes from godliness with contentment. Godliness and contentment; this is the winning combination! Yes, godliness and contentment leads to great gain.

Would you like great gain in your finances, marriage, relationships, ministry, career, education, or health?

Well, first let’s explore godliness:
Godliness can be described as conforming to God’s desires, laws, and ways. Reflect on your life and your heart. Is it conforming to God or is it conforming to the ways of the world?

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2

Godliness does not come from our own strength, but as we spend time with God; He will do the transforming. It is our job to seek Him, it is His job to do the transformation. Spend time with God in prayer, worship, praise, and meditating on His Word and watch how your life begins to exude godliness.

Now, let’s explore contentment:
Contentment can be described as the state of happiness and/or satisfaction. The Bible has much to share on contentment. If we continue reading in 1 Timothy 6, Paul expounds on the thought of contentment:

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:7-8

Are we content with just our basic needs being met?

Paul also describes in Philippians that he has learned to be content.

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 in want.” Philippians 4:11-12

In our perceived times of lack, what if God is aiding us in learning contentment.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

Can you be content with what you have, because in reality His presence is all you need!

Are you willing to try the winning combination of godliness and contentment? You may not ever become rich, but you can have great gain. You marriage may not ever be completely problem free, but you can have great gain. You may experience aches and pains, but still, you can have great gain. God’s great gain for your life may manifest differently from your expectations. But, then again, He is known for exceeding expectations! Are you ready for God’s great gain in your life? Keep carrying your cross, with godliness and contentment; wait and watch for the great gain God will manifest in your life.