“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Timothy 6:6-8
Generally speaking, it is our expectations, not our needs, that disappoint us. We have a way of thinking that we are somehow entitled to what we want, no matter how far beyond our needs it may be.
“And having food and raiment let us be therewith content” (verse 8). We are to set the bar of expectation at the level of having food and raiment, and become satisfied with that. And having that, we are to settle in our minds that we have no room for complaint.
Being content with food and raiment will allow for joy and thanksgiving with anything beyond that. But if we are only satisfied when all things meet our own expectations, we will be miserable with just having food and raiment. If we expect little, but receive much, there is cause for great joy. But if we expect much and only get little, we are then cast down, due to our expectation.
Where have you set your level of expectation? To set it higher than God tells us to, may very well just create our own disappointment.
We must not fail to take into consideration: “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” Everyone should live responsibly. We should not only take care of present needs, but take into consideration what is involved if God blesses us with ripe old age. We err if we set our own timetable as to when we think the Lord will come. It could be a recipe for disaster to expect the Rapture to relieve us of the responsibilities of old age. Just as we must not expect to take worldly possessions with us to heaven, we must not expect heaven to relieve us of the responsibilities of living in this world.
Wisdom is profitable to direct. To keep ourselves in proper balance, we need godliness with contentment. Contentment comes by hearkening unto God’s counsel concerning the affairs of our lives.
SHARING
