“But godliness with contentment is great gain…” 1 Timothy 6:6
When you think of gaining greatness what comes to mind? Personally, I’ve found in different seasons of my life that I’ve unknowingly picked up the view that “greatness” is only measured by my success or how my abilities match up to someone else. However, the Bible teaches us a different narrative, it teaches a truth about greatness. This greatness is far different than what we encounter and measure in the world.
We’re taught through the Word of God that our greatness is steeped in Godliness. Greatness in these eyes of God is directly tethered to who Jesus is and who He has called us to be in Christ. We are reminded that to live is Christ and to die is gain. Ponder that for a moment. That alone reveals how different we must view greatness and that it must be viewed through the lens of eyes set on a Kingdom mission. We’re promised in the Word that we will find true contentment when we have a heart swelled with love and desire for the Lord.
In 1 Timothy 6, Paul has listed detailed instructions about what living for Christ with a heart of contentment looks like. It reveals that those pursuing Christ will have peace with what they have and where God has placed them. They will trust the Lord's provision and timing. They will know the difference between truth and lie. Most importantly, they will know who is of God and who is not. This is something of great gain. This portion of scripture is just one of the many places where we see how we should be measuring our "greatness". It isn't based on us - but on how Christ has called us to live.
This perspective also changes everything for you and me when it comes to finding contentment in the seasons God has us in. It again realigns how we value "great things". Personally, as a mom of little ones, I'm in a season of life where I'm left giving far more than I am receiving. My role comes without accolades and pats on the back most days, and that's okay. However, this can sometimes leave me wondering if am I really making an impact. Does doing my daily tasks really lead to great gain for Jesus? I find myself wondering how long will it take to see the fruit of this labor of love that I do day in and day out. I'm sure you've experienced this too. Regardless of what you do on a daily basis, have you found yourself asking if what you're doing is really making an impact?
The answer to that question is this, if you're seeking the Lord and on mission for His kingdom, then yes. You are making an impact and you are making great gains towards Godliness as you live for Christ where He has you. My prayer is that you will give God the space in your heart to step in and take hold of your heart. Let Him be the one to remind you that greatness is steeped in Godliness. Let Him be the one who fills you with contentment in the roles He's given you. Take the gospel forth, share the love of Jesus, and remind those around you that their “great gains” are found in Christ alone.
Pray with me:
Lord, thank you for giving us your Word which paves the way for great gains in Godliness. Help me to look to you rather than my abilities and milestones. Help me to rest in the truth that you have called me to a life rooted in the Kingdom mission and how that alone is a great gift that will come with eternal reward - a lifetime of celebration with you. To live is Christ, to die is gain. Thanks be to God! In Jesus' name, amen.
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/titoOnz
Chelsey is the voice behind the Living with Less Podcast and author of the 52-week devotional More of Him, Less of Me: Living a Christ-centered Life in a Me-centered World. She writes devotions for Lifeway Women's Journey Magazine, Crosswalk.com, and iBelieve.com. She also writes Bible reading plans for the YouVersion Bible App. Chelsey lives in Ohio with her husband and two children. You can connect with her on Instagram @chelseydematteis and at her website ChelseyDeMatteis.com.
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Originally published Wednesday, 27 December 2023.
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