“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.”
— 1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV
Paul reminds Timothy of the importance of godliness and contentment. He warns of the temptation of desiring more. Having more money and things still is a common temptation now as it was when Paul penned these words of wisdom to Timothy. He desired that Timothy be free from being dissatisfied with what God has blessed him. It is so easy to compare ourselves and fall into to the trap of, “If only I had this or that, I would be happy or satisfied.” Paul reminds Timothy to be content with the essentials.
We are no different from the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy in that we too can easily fall into the trap of ungratefulness. I had to catch myself from falling into this trap even right after I had been blessed by God. I found myself wishing I had more, “only if I had made more money, or a better job, etc.” I soon forgot what God had just done for me and needed to repent from my ungrateful heart. To keep content I feel God is telling me to:
1) Count my blessings. If I only want more and more I am being like a spoiled child asking for the next thing since what I just got has grown old.
I need to sit and remember what I have and be grateful for each. Perhaps I need to apply the writing down things I am thankful for every night would help me to count my blessings.
2) steward my blessings. I know that God has given me things that doesn’t end with me and I should use them to bless others. Another part is proper care of the things that God has given me. If I can properly steward the small things, God will be able to trust me with bigger things.
Dear Jesus, please forgive me for not being grateful nor being a proper steward of what You have blessed me with. I chose to count my blessings and remember what You have done for me. I ask that you show me what I can do with what you have given to bless others. I love you and thank you for being such a good Father! I love you! In your name, Jesus. Amen.
