“…godliness with 1contentment is GREAT GAIN. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these WE SHALL BE CONTENT. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts…For the LOVE OF MONEY is a root of ALL KINDS OF EVIL…” (1 Tim. 6:6-10) 1autarkeia: a state of mind satisfied with its possessions. Having a relationship with God and being pleased with what He has provided for us is “great gain.” When we think about eternity with the Lord and come to the realization that we are here, on this earth, for a short amount of time. Paul said, “…I have learned in whatever state I am, TO BE CONTENT:” (Phil. 4:11) Since knowing Jesus IS OUR GREATEST VALUE, we can evaluate every circumstance from an heavenly standpoint instead of our limited human perspective.
“…Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the EXCELLENCE OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that,
I MAY GAIN CHRIST AND BE FOUND IN HIM…(Phil. 3:7-8)
-Bill Stockham