But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
It is usually not hard to tell the difference between entitlement and contentment. One is arrogant and full of complaints and the other is characterized by gratitude and joy, even in difficult circumstances. One has a self-centered attitude that considers what they deserve, and the other of humility, seeing everything as a gift, even the daily necessities of life, like food and clothing.
The attitude of contentment can be closely tied with godliness because this is the attitude that reflects our Savior. He did not come to earth with the attitude of entitlement, even though He is fully God and was entitled to all. He came in humility, with the attitude of contentment, trusting the Father to provide for all of His needs. When we consider living out our faith, we often think about the things we do to serve God or the values we hold to follow Him. This passage reminds us that even our outlook on life should be changed and shaped by the One we follow.
An outlook of contentment will change the way we interact with God; it will see Him as provider even when we are in times of need. It will change how we look at things we often take for granted like the provision of clothing and food as marks of His provision. It will also change how we see others. Instead of looking at what others have as something we want or need, we can take joy in seeing how God has provided for them too. In a culture where entitlement is so prevalent, we are called to live differently. May contentment and godliness reign in our lives and shape our outlook as we follow the example of our Savior.
- Who in your life models godly contentment? How do they do this?
- Where have you seen an attitude of entitlement in yourself?
- Pray and ask God to help you grow in contentment and godliness.
