God’s Formula for True Riches

The Scriptures teach that true and lasting riches are more than money. When we achieve godliness with contentment, we truly have great gain. Contentment raises a barrier to ward of discontent. (See 1 Timothy 6:8; Hebrews 13:5.)

GODLINESSA + CONTENTMENTB = GREAT GAINC

A. Godliness in this context means holiness, piety, devoutness, and reverence for God. Gain – money and wealth – is not godliness as some suppose (1 Timothy 6:5).

B. Contentment in this context means satisfaction, happy enough with what one has, and not desiring something more or different. 1 Timothy 6:8 says that food plus clothing equals contentment.

C. Gain in this context means furnishing, procurement, acquisition, increase.

Contentment is a tremendous weapon to ward of lust, greed, divorce, selfishness, covetousness, and wordiness. Oh, what spiritual protection contentment provides for us! It is a veritable wall of protection against encroaching enticements that would lead us astray. Even in our affluent society, we should not take God’s Word lightly. Saints should beware lest the foul spirit of discontent invades their lives separating them from God.