But Godliness with Contentment is GREAT gain...

Last night, Mrs. B began our Bible Study with a quick (and convicting) review of Covetousness.  We are going through the book by James MacDonald, Lord, Change My Attitude before It's Too Late.  Our first lesson was on murmuring...the second week was gratitude.  In order to get victory over murmuring, we must replace it with gratitude.  Last week, the lesson was on covetousness and last night focused on the cure for coveting ---> Contentment. 

If any man teach otherwise, and consent though not for wholesome words, even the words our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmising, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness from such withdraw thyself.  But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  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.  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.  ~ I Timothy 6:3-10

Godliness + Contentment (content with who I am in Christ) = GREAT GAIN

Mrs. B went on to explain that Godliness + anything else does not equal great gain.  We were reminded that of the list of eight or so items, we could each put something in that "anything else" category...people, things, etc. 

Three key ways we can become content and not covet...
1. Think about eternity.  - Thoughts about eternity will promote our earthly contentment

2. Let enough be enough!  - We were reminded be careful what we wish for.  The children of Israel weren't content with the manna the Lord provided every single day...they wanted quail.  He gave them the desires of their heart...and we were reminded that they were so covetous of the quail and they consumed so much of it that it came out their noses!  Ick! Ick! Ick! 

3. Learn by example.  - I think that we can learn from positive examples and also from negative examples -- kind of a what-not-to-do...

~ SEEK CONTENTMENT AS A CHOICE! ~