Godliness with contentment is great gain

1 Timothy 6:6-10
"Now godliness with contentment 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 which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

In the morning service at church today we were reminded of the danger of wanting to be rich, because it leads us to love something else more than we love God. Instead, we are to be content with what we have. Why should we make a god out of the gifts that God gives us, when we have the Giver Himself! He is all that we need, and He "gives us richly all things to enjoy" (1 Tim 6:17) He is to be our joy and the Love of our lives.

Thinking about contentment reminded me of a wonderful hymn by Adelaide Procter (1825-1864). God is such a wise God, who gives us many good and happy things. Yet the pleasant things found on earth are all temporary, that we may not find our all in all in them, but look to God and our Eternal Home for our true joy - "we have enough, yet not too much to long for more."

My God, I thank Thee, who hast made
The earth so bright,
So full of splendor and of joy,
Beauty and light;
So many glorious things are here,
Noble and right.

I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made
Joy to abound;
So many gentle thoughts and deeds
Circling us round,
That in the darkest spot of earth
Some love is found.

I thank Thee more that all our joy
Is touched with pain,
That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain;
So that earth’s bliss may be our guide,
And not our chain.

For thou who knowest, Lord, how soon
Our weak heart clings,
Hast given us joys, tender and true,
Yet all with wings;
So that we see gleaming on high
Diviner things.

I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept
The best in store;
We have enough, yet not too much
To long for more:
A yearning for a deeper peace
Not known before.

I thank Thee, Lord, that here our souls
Though amply blessed,
Can never find, although they seek
A perfect rest;
Nor ever shall, until they lean
On Jesus’ breast.