But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Have you ever asked yourself why people who have money or those that experience financial challenges find it difficult to find a connection between faith and contentment?
When I look back over my life I can truly say that my discontentment started in College. I was told in college that contentment would come once I graduated and achieved a top salary. They did not share how my life would be if I did not get the top salary or at least find a job. Upon graduation the only company that was looking to hiring me was not paying top dollar. The salary that I received was well under what I thought I would get with a Bachelors degree in Finance. It was hard to make ends meet living in New York City. I spent the majority of my life seeking more money in the hopes of being content. My faith in God was non existent and I began conforming to the culture.
Culture
Verse 8 says that “but if we have food and clothing we will be content with that” but our culture is a materialistic, consumptive society that believes that more is better and happiness is based on material possessions thereby distorting the real meaning of contentment.
Faith
Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.
Paul understood the connection between contentment and faith. Paul knew that he was not born with contentment so he had to learn what God expected of him. We too have to learn what God expects from us in the area of our finances. The bible has over 2300 verses that deal with money so its critical that we learn how to steward the resources God has blessed us with.
in other words, ask yourself the following and your answers will be evident as to what is more precious.
What was your response when the stock market crashed and your 401k lost money?
When the stock market goes up or you get a bonus from work, what is your response?
We must follow Paul’s lead in that we must Trust God Faithfully in the good times and bad to make sure the abundance or lack of money don’t control us.
