The Mirror of the Word and other works by C.E. White can be purchased on her website, cewhitebooks.com or on Amazon.

“But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.”

—1 Timothy 6:6

People living in contentment don’t have everything, but they don’t need to have everything. They may live paycheck–to–paycheck. They may not wear fancy clothes or drive a nice car. Their house might need work. They might not get recognition or appreciation for the things they do. They might not have the type of relationships they wish they did. 

Yet, being near a content person is calming. They live in peace and hope regardless of their circumstances and even when things look bleak.

How do we grow this contentment?

As we walk in godliness and obey the Word of the Lord, the truth becomes more and more clear in our lives. The Word becomes living and active. 

We recognize that what it asks of us really is the path to the easy yoke and the light burden. The last really shall be first (Matthew 20:16) and seeking the kingdom of God and righteousness first really is the path to having anything else of worth (Matthew 6:33). The approval of man really is empty (Matthew 6:1), and whatever we give up for Christ really will be repaid many times over both in this life and the next (Matthew 19:29).

These truths don’t feel true until we’re walking in them. Our human nature tells us that seeking what we want will bring us contentment, but what we find there is abundance without fulfillment and fleeting pleasure without lasting joy.

As we walk in godliness by the power of the Holy Spirit, we find the opposite is true. We’re renewed rather than depleted as we serve. We have joy even in the midst of pain. We’re content even when we lack things we desire.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download