Godliness with Contentment.

I Tim. 6:6-8

"Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content."

Earlier in I Tim. 4:7 Paul talks about training for godliness. Here again he mentions this subject, but now he adds a qualifier. Contentment is coupled with godliness. How would godliness with contentment bring gain into my life? Simply put, it would take my focus off what the world has to offer and replace it with an eternal perspective. Houses, possessions, fashion, or any number of things would not be symbols of status, wealth, or 'coolness.' Instead with contentment in control, I wouldn't have to fret about what my clothes looked like, how large or stylish my home was, what kind of a car I drove, how beautifully my house was decorated, just to name a few. Instead, I would look at my house and appreciate it for what it is, a house, a dwelling place, a place to gather, a place to be protected from the weather, not a status symbol. The same goes for my car. If it is functional and it it gets me where I need to go, then I can praise God.

I know for most women how they dress and look is pretty important. I think that on the whole we have been conditioned to think that we must look a certain way. We grow up thinking that how we look is a statement of who we are. But I don't think that is really true? Personally, I know I am self-conscious about my clothes or even my appearance if I think I look dowdy. Even though I am older, and it really shouldn't matter, these thoughts still surface in my thinking. All I can say is what a pull the world has! I know that my character and my spiritual relationship are the most important things in my life, the things that should identify me, but still deep inside me is the pull of the flesh. Yet, I wonder where the line is between looking acceptable and buying into the world's system? I am thinking it must be related to my attitude and my desire. These areas must reflect Jesus Christ and bring glory to God. Since I am a citizen of heaven and not of this world or its culture, I must look forward to a "city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is God."

Several years ago I heard Helen Roseavere speak at a conference about her life of continual service. She saw no need to retire and take it easy. When I looked at her, I saw she was a sweet, elderly lady who really didn't reflect any of the styles of this world. But as I listened to her, all I could see was her love for Jesus. It consumed her in all she said and did. During her entire session, I found that I could not keep from smiling. Her joy for the Lord was had infected me. Her godliness with contentment revealed great gain. When I went home that night, I realized what I wanted. I wanted the gain that comes from godliness with contentment.

Father,

I confess many times I care too much about the world and its system. Spirit, convict me when I lose my focus. Take my eyes back to the One who died for me. Lead me ever closer to God. Help me to bring glory to His name.

In Jesus name,

Amen