The Bible Column - Contentment

“And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Luke 12:15
The secret of contentment is to be satisfied where we are and with the things which we have. Wealth alone never brings true happiness. James said that God hath “chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom.” (James 2:5) Paul said that he had learned to be content in whatsoever state he was. (Phil. 4:11) He further said, “…godliness with contentment is great gain.” (I Tim 6:6) He said, “having food and raiment, let us be therewith content.” (I Tim 6:8) Hebrews 13:5 says “…and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
The story is told of folks who lived in an isolated cabin in a southern state. It was only a shack of one room, furnished with a few pieces of homemade furniture. There were no panes or screens on the two windows and the door was off its hinges. On the stoop sat an elderly man reading his Bible. When asked, “What are you reading?” he answered, “The Good Book”. When asked what he was reading about, his face lit up with happiness and his eyes sparkled as he replied, “Why I’m readin’ about my new house they are a buildin’ for me in Heaven. The Lord is preparin’ for me a mansion in the New Jerusalem”. As he placed his hand over his well-worn old Bible, he said, “Sir, isn’t it going to be wonderful! I don’t mind a few years in this shack knowing they’re buildin’ me a mansion over there.”
Surely, godliness with contentment is great gain. Both now and in eternity, true gain is found only in the Lord!