What the apostle means, by saying that to be godliness with contentment is a boon to the faithful? And is it easy? At first sight it can seem that it is not so difficult. Godliness people (at least, the outside) and of more very content are more than enough in the religious environment. Here is, they are usually content, particularly, only for themselves and their Godliness. Hardly Paul wanted to say something similar, otherwise, his sentence would sound probably a little bit differently: godliness with self contentment is great gain. However the apostle said nothing like that. However, it succeeds easily and without effort to the fallen man to be always content only of himself.
Certainly, it sometimes happens also here to try hard, but such efforts usually bring to people only joy. But here is, even if to be content not with oneself, but with somebody or something else, succeeds for us, it is only for certain time. Then there is a natural question: how and of what can we be content always? And for what godliness is here? Of course, if we understand it in a purely religious sense, it is really for nothing.
Besides: it is in particular the self-contentment of religious character, when man with pride and self-contentment looks at his godliness and is proud of it, that the Savior condemns unequivocally (it is enough to remember the parable of the publican and the Pharisee). In a certain sense such "godliness" religious self-contentment can be considered as the direct opposite of what Paul says (although its external manifestations sometimes call back the manifestations of genuine humility and godliness). But for a genuine contentment, apparently, is needed all the same in particular a genuine humility. Also, however, as for a genuine godliness, properly spiritual, and not religious.
In fact, true humility supposes indeed, above all, the refusal of one’s own will and full surrender to the will of God. It does not mean, of course that all the reasons for discontentment (often, by the way quite reasonable) will disappear from our life, but, in any case, they already will define no more our spiritual state: because, this affair is now at the first place God’s, and only after ours. The only reason for discontentment in such a state of things can be for us only our sins, which prevent us from walking on the way of righteousness. But this is also, by God’s help, repairable.
Other notes
For Ti1 6:6
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. |
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For Ti1 6:1-10
1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. |
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. |
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; |
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, |
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. |
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. |
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. |
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. |
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. |
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. |
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For Ti1 6:1-10
1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. |
2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. |
3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; |
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, |
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. |
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. |
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. |
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. |
9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. |
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. |
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