In his first letter to Timothy, Paul declares: “But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, KJV). Don’t dismiss this as a mere pithy saying. Paul is laying down a foundational principle for the Christian life. The Greek term “αὐτάρκεια” (autarkeia), translated here as “contentment,” suggests a sense of sufficiency, a completeness that isn’t reliant on external circumstances. It’s akin to the self-sufficiency that Stoic philosophers like Seneca or Marcus Aurelius might have championed, yet Paul roots this contentment not in the self, but in godliness – a key distinction.
We find Paul elaborating further on this concept in his letter to the Philippians. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Philippians 4:11, KJV). Notice Paul’s emphasis on learning contentment. It’s a process. Paul’s journey to contentment wasn’t immediate; it was a path marked by trials and revelations.
This brings us to a pivotal teaching of Jesus, as relevant today as it was in the first century. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV). Jesus is not dismissing our needs or desires, but He is reorienting our priorities.
When our primary pursuit is God’s kingdom and His righteousness, our perspective on needs and desires shifts fundamentally. We begin to understand that contentment lies not in the abundance of possessions but in the richness of our relationship with God.
The Book of Hebrews echoes this sentiment: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5, KJV). Again, we see the emphasis on contentment, coupled with the assurance of God’s presence.
In our quest for contentment, it’s essential to remember that wanting more or aspiring for a better station in life isn’t necessarily sinful. The essential questions are: Where is your heart anchored? And what are your most passionate pursuits?
If our desires are rooted in and subordinate to our primary pursuit of God and His righteousness, then even amidst any striving, we find contentment in Him.
So, are you content?
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I once heard a preacher from Arlington, Texas (between Dallas and Fort Worth) say that he knew Paul wasn’t a Texan because he could be content in any state. A real Texan couldn’t.
Lol! That’s a good one.