By Neil Anderson
October 9
1 Timothy 6:6 NIV
Godliness with contentment is great gain
The world’s concept of happiness is getting what we want. All merchandising is based on this idea. To really be happy, we need a flashier car, a sexier cologne, or any number of items that are better, faster or easier to use than what we already have. We watch the commercials, read the ads, and pursue all the latest fashions, fads and fancy doodads. We buy into the lie that we’re not really happy until we get what we want.
God’s concept of happiness is summed up in the simple proverb: “Happy is the man who wants what he has.” As long as you are focusing on what you don’t have, you’ll be unhappy. But when you begin to appreciate what you already have, you’ll begin to experience the joys of life. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. 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 6:6-8 NIV ).
Actually, you already have everything you need to live a joyful life. You have Christ. You have eternal life. You are loved by a heavenly Father who has promised to supply all your needs. No wonder the Bible repeatedly commands us to be thankful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). If you really want to be happy, learn to be thankful for what you have and not covet what you don’t have.
Prayer: Father, today I want to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, knowing that You will add to my life all that I need.
Related articles
- 1 Timothy 1:15, 16 (loosehim.wordpress.com)
- The View From the Cross (inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com)
- Embrace Discipline 3 (godinespowerblog.wordpress.com)
- Are you a Man of God? (pedrostories.wordpress.com)
About the author: Greg is a strong believer in Jesus Christ and is also a political analyst, author, and is the Editor-in-Chief for the National War Council. By day he is a self-employed non-emergency medical transport driver, as well as being an author and blogger. His articles are first published on Inspirational Christian Blogs, and I Am Not Ashamed of the Gospel of Christ! His articles have been widely published on many well-known conservative websites. If you would like to republish his articles, please feel free to do so leaving all links intact and crediting the author and the website that the article appeared on.
Greg is the author of the newly released book: Spiritual Darkness is Destroying America and the Church
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Happiness is based on circumstance. Our joy is base on the knowledge that we have been saved and promised eternal life by a loving Savior. Contentment is a strong weapon against the enemy. If we are content with the things God has provided, the enemy has less to tempt us with and fewer things that spur us into discontent and grumbling. Great reminder. Thanks for sharing 1 Tim 6:6, Greg.
Thank you Cheryl, you are so very correct! 🙂
happiness is the key to success……..
Only if said happiness comes via God!