Christian Devotional – July 27, 2022

Teaching and Training, Day 15

What does it mean to have gain? Paul gives Timothy an interesting definition as we read through the first part of chapter 6. Read 1 Timothy 6:1-6.

So much of what is said in these verses deals with the issue of slavery, which in this day and time often meant financial indebtedness. Most people were slaves either because they had been conquered by another country or because they were financially in debt. Paul recognizes this as a situation that people are in and gives some direction on how slaves who have become believers in Christ should handle their situation.

But then he goes on to make this interesting statement. What does it mean to have great gain? Godliness and contentment. Those are the only two ingredients that Paul lists in order for a person to achieve great gain. There’s no mention of material wealth. There’s no discussion about power. There’s not even a mention about family. Paul lists the requirements for great gain as simply godliness and contentment.

Interestingly, we can choose both of those things. We choose to live in godliness or not to live in godliness every day. We choose whether we can find contentment in our situations and circumstances or whether we choose to be unhappy. Either way, our gain is determined by our responses to God. Will we be obedient to him and seek after godliness and righteousness? Will we be content with the situation and circumstances that God has placed us in? If the answer to both of these is yes, then we will have great gain.