WITH GODLINESS COMES SELF-SATISFACTION

1Timothy 6:6 "  But godliness with contentment is great gain."
       The word 'contentment' as used in this biblical  text is the Greek word 'autarkeia' and it means ;self-satisfaction, competence,  sufficiency. This word has been wrongly interpreted to mean poverty by many  Poverty is a symptom of the curse Jesus delivered us from (2Cor8.9) therefore God is no way pleased with His children being poor.
        The father is only pleased by our faith in His word.This is what the bible describes as godliness and it comes with great rewards.Hebrews 11:6 says  "But without faith it is impossible to please  him: for he that cometh  to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that  diligently seek him." and Romans 1:17 says"... The just shall live  by faith". Faith is the password or authorization needed to obtain anything from God. Therefore, whatever lack we suffer isn't from God but the limitations created as a result of the lack of faith.
        Faith places a demand on God’s people,  it requires a corresponding work , for faith without work is dead ( James 2:17) .God wants to supply all our need if we have the faith to receive them. The grace of God has given us access to all His provisions, because He does not want us to suffer any lack (Psalm 23:1) He desires that we receive more than what we ask for so that we can be of help to other's and contribute to missionary activities. The scriptures says in 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 MSG
"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God."  This is what contentment really means by God's standard . It doesn't mean barely getting by . God throws caution to the winds when it comes to providing for His people only if they have faith to receive and do what faith demands.
       Faith demands that we save some of our money, invest some , give some for benevolence and missionary activities and use the rest for our comfort and pleasure. This is important in maintaining stability in a marriage,business,ministry and relationship.
         Life is in phases and growth in faith in stages , the scriptures says in Mark 4:20 "And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred". This tells us that what a person receives is in accordance to the measure of their faith which in turn is determined by their capacity to distribute wealth .  God’s grace is progressive, from 30%,60% to 100% return on our investments. Some persons believe they aren't righteous enough to receive a hundred percent of their expectation,and settle for less .That shouldn't be so, we should not be afraid to expect great things from the lord..
      A contented life requires that we humbly accept in faith with thanksgiving that which God in His wisdom and grace provides for us. This is possible as long as we do not consider money as our source of security and happiness. 1 Timothy 6:7, 9-10 NLT says".... But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows."
         Couples who practice the principles of faith which makes it possible to acquire things without money , are happier than those who believe they must pay every thing. Spinsters who depend on God as their only source of livelihood are most likely to get married ( Isa.4:1). Faith teaches that your spouse isn't your provider but God : this way of  thinking strengthens a relationship.
      Happiness in a marriage or relationship isn't determined by one's possession (Luke12:15) .Life has more value than material things, the rich fool stored up things for himself but was not rich toward God and died because of it (Luke12 :16-21). The pursuit of riches destroys ones health and frustrates a marriage through prolonged absenteeism (Prov.23:4-5) We shouldn’t allow our cravings for wealth frustrate our spiritual growth (Mark 4:7,18-20) but treasure spiritual heavenly goals (Mark 6:19-21) . We should first seek God  and not status in society ( luke9:46-48). It is better to be known for wisdom than for riches (Prov.16:16-17) society has no regards for rich fools. king Hezekiah proudly and foolishly displayed his earthly wealth and was judged by God for it( 2Kings 20:12-19).  Gehazi tried obtaining wealth through false pretenses  and was punished for it (2kings5:19-27) The earth is the lord’s and He will not share His glory with any man. We are admonished to keep trusting in God and keep loving each other regardless of our economic situation( Hab.3:17-19) and be rest assured that whenever a need arises , God will make provisions available. Our primary goal in life is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecc.12:13-14) As you read this receive grace for contentment and peace in Jesus name.
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