1 Timothy 6:6-7 – “…godliness is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.”
In the words of famous American actor Denzel Washington, ‘I’ve never seen a U-Haul connected to the back of a hearse.’ When we die and stand before Christ one day, giving an accounting for our lives, what we invested in to impress others is not going to matter one bit. All that is going to matter that day is what we invested our hearts and resources in toward furthering the kingdom of God.
C.T. Studd is a well-known missionary to Africa. Studd and his missionary team lived deep enough in the interior of Africa that their mail only came every two weeks. Their existence depended on the money that was in that mail. Studd’s grandson told the story of the show Studd would make by opening the mail before his team. If there was a great sum of money, Studd would say, ‘Bless God forever! He knows what a bunch of grumblers we are.’ If the amount was small, Studd would say, ‘Hallelujah! We must be growing in grace.’ And when there was no money, ‘Hallelujah! Praise God forever! We are in the kingdom already, for in the kingdom there is no eating or drinking, but righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit.’
Too often people spend what they don’t have, to buy what they don’t need, to impress people who ultimately don’t matter. How about you? Do you believe Jesus when he says you can invest treasure in heaven that will last forever by investing your time, talent, and treasure in the kingdom of God? If Jesus is alive, and your resurrection onto judgment is sure, you’ll never regret anything you sacrificed here and now to tithe to the church, serve the under-privileged, and give to world missions. Godliness with contentment is indeed great gain now and forevermore!
Heavenly Father, my Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for every blessing you pour down in my life. Holy Spirit, lead me to give generously trusting in your provision, and to be content in doing so. I pray it in Jesus’ name, Amen.