Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. – 1 Timothy 6:6 (NLT)
Imagine carrying a backpack. If you keep stuffing it with new things every time you see something shiny—another gadget, another “must-have”—soon it becomes heavy, slowing you down.
But if you carry only what you truly need, your steps are lighter, and you can enjoy the journey.
Life works the same way. When we constantly chase after “the next big thing,” our hearts grow heavy with discontent, comparison, and frustration. But when we choose godliness—living in reverence to God and His ways—and pair it with contentment, we discover peace. Our “backpack” is lighter, and our journey with Christ becomes joyful.
Living It Out
In our world, advertisements and social media constantly whisper: “You need more.” A bigger house, a newer car, the latest phone. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking happiness lies just one purchase or achievement away.
But here’s the truth: without godliness and gratitude, even the newest gift will lose its shine. Contentment isn’t about settling for less—it’s about recognizing what you already have is more than enough when God is at the center.
Think of Paul, who wrote:
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11).
Paul wasn’t chasing status or possessions—he found joy whether he had plenty or little, because his treasure was Christ.
One of the greatest struggles in life is learning to be content. Many Christians desire to live godly lives but find themselves dissatisfied with their current circumstances. They work hard, serve in ministry, and seek success, yet they feel something is missing. Often, they try to fill this void with material possessions, achievements, or even excessive work and church activities. They justify their actions in the name of serving God but have in fact lost their joy and peace. But true contentment does not come from doing more; it comes from trusting more.
I myself used to be very ambitious and wanted to succeed in life. I toiled hard and sought wealth because, according to the world, wealth meant success. I started and stopped many businesses, always chasing after success, but no matter how hard I tried, I was never truly satisfied. I was always restless, always striving, and often losing sleep over my next big move. I too justified my actions in the name of serving God. I had convinced myself that if I got more wealth, I could do more for God’s Kingdom. Although there is a certain truth to it, I realized I was slowly beginning to serve my “goal” rather than my God.
One day, I came across this verse in 1 Timothy 6:6 and felt deeply challenged. I asked myself, why was I not content? Why was I always chasing after something that never seemed to bring lasting joy? I read the book of Malachi, chapter 3, and decided to put God to the test for three to six months. Instead of chasing wealth and worldly success, I committed to giving away generously and cheerfully whatever I could. I decided to trust God fully and see what would happen.
Initially, I thought like a businessman. If this didn’t work, I would simply stop and consider it a failed investment. I would return to my old ways of striving. But I discovered that God never let me down. As I gave, I found that I never lacked. My needs were always met, and I began to experience a peace and joy I had never known before. With time, I realized I had stopped chasing after wealth for my happiness and was enjoying my walk with the Lord instead. It has been a little over 18 years now, and my giving and trusting in God has only increased.
Though I am not super wealthy, neither am I in want. I have no debts and I have learned to be content, and in that contentment, I have discovered true wealth. There is so much peace and joy in simply trusting God and serving Him with a grateful heart.
True contentment comes when we stop striving and start trusting. When we learn to rest in God’s provision, we discover that we already have all we need. Like little children who do not worry about tomorrow, we are called to trust in our heavenly Father, knowing He cares for us.
I have personally learnt four valuable lessons in my faith journey to contentment.
- Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude – Instead of focusing on what we lack, let us give thanks for what we have. Gratitude shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance.
- Trust in God’s Provision – Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (not monthly bread or yearly bread). This reminds us that God provides for our needs one day at a time.
- Avoid Comparison – Contentment fades when we compare ourselves to others. Instead of measuring success by worldly standards, let us seek to please God.
- Live Generously – A content heart is a giving heart. When we give and share with others, we acknowledge that all we have comes from God.
True godliness with contentment is indeed great wealth. When we learn to trust in God rather than in our own efforts, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding. Our circumstances may change, but God remains faithful. May we choose to live with grateful hearts, trusting that in Him, we have all that we need. It is important that we guard our hearts from the subtle temptations for luxury and significance on a daily basis.