Verse of the Day Devotion: 1 Timothy 6:6 

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.” – 1 Timothy 6:6    

Paul, who wrote this letter to Timothy, laid out what truly satisfies an individual.  And it is not what much of the world believes.  Many people who live their lives pursuing their desires, and even when they acquire them, suddenly realize that it is not enough, they will always want more.  People will observe what another has and begin to desire it to the point of purchasing it.  Once they get it, they become less satisfied after seeing  someone with something better and they purchase it, afterwards seeing someone with something even better, and on it goes.  This happens especially when they desire to be seen by others, and sometimes by themselves, as greater than they think they are.  However, for the most part, things do not truly satisfy.  For if a good car satisfies, a better car more so.  There will always be something that we believe will completely satisfy us.  But many find this satisfaction only lasts for a season. The pursuit of things will always lead to more dissatisfaction. 

Paul uses the same idea regarding different doctrines, arguing, and closed minds.  The desire to always be right.  “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” 1 Timothy 6:3-5.  Many will believe questionable doctrine purely because someone who is famous taught them, or simply because they want it to be true, not being a Berean and checking the truth or falsity of it.  And they will argue about it every chance they get.  Paul portrays them as conceited and lacking understanding, people filled with anger and strife. They believe that godliness is a means of gain. 

However, what they are believing is only partially true.  Their form of godliness does not bring gain or satisfaction because they are not content with their situation.  They want to be considered right in what they believe, however, part of godliness is studying His word searching for what the truth actually is,  and believing what God actually said and taught.  It is not to argue in favor of any doctrine, especially false doctrine, in order to be seen as intelligent.  Doing the right thing for the sake of God and the truth leads to contentment.  If we are doing it for financial gain, fame, or any other reason than doing the work of God, then there is a level of discontentment that causes us to do His work.  However, if you are content with what you have (what God has provided), with knowing the truth (rather than believing what you want), and with your position (rather than desiring fame and recognition), then you are content with the life God has given you and will find you gain more than you could ever imagine.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries, Inc.

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