Godliness and Contentment

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. [I Timothy 6.6-8]

True godliness and contentment. Wow, what would that be like?

As I considered these words of Paul to Timothy, I considered all that we work and strive for here on planet earth – most of it, material gain.

Now, it may be argued that material gain is necessary though… I just received an email stating some frightening statistics on cancer. The costs associated with battling cancer are astronomical. A person NEEDS to be prepared for this unwelcome event – and that preparation requires substantial financial substance… or, at very least a costly insurance policy. And that's not all either…

Really? What about simple "food and clothing" as Paul put it to Timothy? Where does it stop?

I know much begs to be rebuked in our lives regarding material wealth, but really, are we not chasing the same vanity in trying to prolong life? How simple could life be if we only allowed it to be so? Imagine life without insurance! Imagine simply considering ourselves "in God's hands" and being content with our food and clothing! Imagine not fearing death!

But wait! Is that not the very message of the Gospel?

Father, I want to focus on what matters. I cannot sustain life with any better documentable success than I can create it. As long as medicine has been around, people still die. My life, Lord, is in Your capable hands. Use me as long as You need me – let me be a good husband, father, and friend – and when I am done, give me (and those around me) the grace to move on…