But godliness with contentment is great gain
Disunity within the Church generally emanates from a disagreement of doctrine. Too often when there is discord among believers, it is connected with an alternative interpretation of the Scriptures. Throughout his writings, we recognize that many of the false doctrines that Paul needed to correct, stemmed from proud people reading into God’s Word what they wanted it to say. Instead of interpreting the Word of God literally and in context, they would read into the text what they wanted it to say, to fit in with their worldview or individual biases. Just as a proud person who denies the existence of God is labelled ‘a fool’ by the Psalmist, so Paul designates a proud person in the Church who distorts the gospel of Christ, as ‘knowing nothing’…even though they may consider themselves to be so important and clever! Here in this passage, Paul is showing the vast difference between true ‘spiritual’ wealth and a false ‘worldly’ wealth. The world’s view of great gain is connected with money, material possessions, power, and prestige, whilst godliness with contentment is considered as great gain by the apostle. Paul was very critical of the prosperity teachers of his day, and of anyone who advocated a religious dogma which did not agree with sound words of the Lord Jesus Christ, or teachings which conformed to godliness. He labelled them as conceited and as people who understand nothing…having a morbid interest in controversial questions and engaging in disputes about words. Paul accused such people as giving rise to envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved minds who are deprived of the truth. But Paul is quick to point out that true godliness with contentment is great gain. The combination of a godly man or woman with a contented heart, is of far greater value than all the money, material possessions, power, and prestige in the world. Godliness, combined with an inner contentment which is rooted in the sufficiency of Christ to provide all that is needed, according to His riches in glory, surpasses anything that this world can provide. May we recognize that godliness with contentment is, indeed, a great gain and ensure that we stand on this truth ’til our life’s end.
Spiritual Steve 