1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NKJV)

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.

The feeling of discontent is misery. Here we are presented a different picture of contentment. It does not come from having an abundance of things. Paul says food and clothing is all we really need. Jesus said to his disciples:

Luke 12:22,30-31 (NIV)

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. ... Your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

You see, there it is, "seek his kingdom," that is godliness. And once you have that firmly in your sights, Jesus says everything else you need will be provided. Now that's a promise to take comfort in. Think about it, life is just temporary, our permanent home is in heaven, and there is nothing in this temporary world that we need in heaven, not even these old dirt bag bodies we hang out in. In fact, those bodies are the only reason we even need the food and clothing.

What a good picture of contentment the bible paints for us. But such good only becomes great when it is contrasted with it's opposite. Here's the other side of the picture which will highlight how wonderful godliness with contentment really is. Paul continues:

1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NKJV)

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.

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