What Is Great Gain?

Every where I turn, whether its inward or outward, there is some level of dissatisfaction I carry with me. It started with me when I was very young and it probably did the same to you.

When I was about 8 or 9 years old and wanted money of my own, I created ways to earn it by making pot holders and selling them to my neighbors. It changed as I grew older.

Then it became I no longer wanted to be single but married. Then it went to wanting children, etc. etc. etc. Can you relate? It may not be the exact experiences but the feelings are nevertheless the same.

The question is “when do you say enough is enough?” There is no right or wrong answer here. This is you and me looking inwardly and having an honest examination about where we are on the meter scale of contentment to discontentment.

I personally have been doing a lot of reflection of over the last 50 years. It seems more than ever in todays time with social media present, bill board lining our highways, magazines at the checkout counters, etc., that more and more people are becoming more dissatisfied and dissatisfied with life.

Why is this? Because of the “perception” of people “having it all” are living with satisfied lives and being content. The reality is we all have something that another person doesn’t have. And we all want what someone else haves.

If you are sick in your body, you will want wellness that you see in another. If you are barren and want children, you will want to be a mother like many of your friends. If you have a job, you may wish you had the freedom to control your schedule like an entrepreneur but not realizing that with it comes more responsibility.

Even if you could have everything your heart ever desired, discontentment would still be there. You say no way, if I had _________ fill in the blank, it would be different. Yes, some things would help, but it doesn’t get rid of it all.

You see I had a real wake up call about two years ago when I went to see a dear friend-successful business owner. As I was having him evaluate a business plan I was proposing, he spoke a truth that still I am reminded almost daily. You see this friend of mine is a very successful multi-millionaire and he operates his businesses with biblical principles.

I listened very intently because I wanted to know if what I was proposing was a waste of time or had great potential. This is what he said to me, “Contentment with godliness is great gain.” It is right out of the Bible from I Timothy 6:6.

Now my friend-business owner in his very graceful way, didn’t come blatantly out and say, “Wendy you have a real discontentment problem.” No he weaved into our conversation about life and business.

I walked away that day having a double edge sword pierce my heart. I was encouraged on one side about my business plan and yet sorrowed that I had been grieving the heart of God.

God created us for relationship and no person or object will fill us with complete contentment. Only he can! He desires to bless us but at his proper time and way.

Remember about me talking about the Apostle Paul in an earlier post about writing two-thirds of the New Testament. Well this same man said, “I have learned to be content in all situations.” Philippians 4:12.

I would say that the Apostle Paul’s “learning to be content”, paid off greatly. He left quite a legacy wouldn’t you say? I’m personally still on this journey of “learning to be content.” What about you?

Are you content? If not, ask God to help you grow in this area.