“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” – 1 Timothy 6:6-7
For most people 2020 hasn’t turned out exactly as planned! For some, it’s been devastating while for others it’s merely been endlessly exhausting and anxious. It’s been an ongoing reminder of how fragile life, our way of life, and our plans truly are.
It’s also provided an opportunity to reflect on what really matters: our relationship with God, inviting people into God’s Kingdom, spending time with those we love, caring for those in need. As some parts of our lives were radically simplified and others made dramatically more complex, God has given us an opportunity to cultivate the two qualities highlighted here: godliness and contentment.
Neither depends on our life circumstances. They don’t depend on our health, wealth, safety, or comfort. They depend on our heart and our growing relationship with God.
Godliness is the pursuit of a character like God’s. It’s about personal holiness, righteousness, rejection of sin, mercy, kindness, generosity, and grace. While we’ll never be perfectly godly, the Holy Spirit Who lives inside every Christ follower empowers us to pursue ever-increasing godliness. As every habit and pattern of life has been tossed in the air this year, it’s an excellent time to reshape our life to pursue godliness through prayer, Bible reading, meditation, and loving service.
Contentment is an extraordinary quality that enables us to quietly ride the stormy seas of life! Contentment flows out of our identity as children of God united with Christ, the knowledge that God loves us no matter what our circumstances may be, and our growing love for and satisfaction in God Himself. We grow content in difficult circumstances as we pursue God and find Him in the whirlwind. When we grab ahold of Him and refuse to let go, no matter what, we’ll find contentment each day, regardless of what actually happens.
Godliness and contentment are extraordinary gifts offered to every Christ-follower. Use the terrible disruptions of this year as an opportunity to pursue these, so that you may rise above the turmoil in the peace of God!