Great Gain
“But 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)
Paul has asked Timothy to stay in Ephesus and teach the church there. Just before these verses, Paul warns him about people who think godliness is a way to make money. Then he turns that idea around. Godliness is great gain, he says, when it comes with being content with what you have. He gives a reason: we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. He also says what counts as enough: food and clothing. The gain it names is a life close to God that is content with enough.
Being content with what you have can feel like losing. Maybe a sale ends at midnight, and not buying feels like throwing money away. After a hard day, something may go into your cart because you feel you deserve it. You won't take any of it with you when you leave this world. Sometimes the closet is full and there is still nothing to wear. Yet most days, what you really need is already there. God calls it great gain to live close to Him and be content with what you have.
Only What You Need
- 1For the rest of today, buy only what you really need: food, medicine, a bus ticket or something your child needs for school tomorrow. Nothing to cheer yourself up and nothing just because it is on sale. Before bed, write down three ordinary things you did not go without today.
God, thank You that I have food today and clothes to wear. I often feel it is still not enough, and I want to buy something more. Today I will not buy anything just to cheer myself up. When I reach for something I don't need, help me put it back. I want to stay close to You and be content with what I have. Amen.
I have what I need today, and with God that is enough.
Is this passage saying that owning things is wrong?
No. It calls godliness with contentment great gain and names food and clothing as enough. A few verses later, the rich are told to be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:17-18).
Why does Paul talk about gain here?
Just before this, he warns about people who think godliness is a way to make money (1 Timothy 6:5). He answers that godliness with contentment is the real gain.
What if I really need to buy something today?
Buy it. The challenge only sets aside what you would buy to cheer yourself up or to catch a sale. Food, medicine, a ticket or what your child needs for school all count as real needs.