"How to Get Ahead in Life"

1st Timothy 6.6-8 NASU

“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.”

Do you want to get ahead in life? Are you ambitious and goal oriented? Have you put a plan in place to retire early after achieving monetary success and professional notoriety? 

Here’s a formula for advancement that virtually guarantees the “great gain” you’re looking for.

GODLINESS + CONTENTMENT = GREAT GAIN

God alone is responsible to produce “great gain” in my life. My role is to put His formula into action. That is to say, I am to become a godly and content man. If I endeavor to fulfill these character qualities during my time on earth, then “great gain” is what I may expect.

The text offers explanation and definition to this dual concept...

GODLINESS (vv. 3-5)

• agree with the words of Jesus
• don’t be conceited
• avoid lengthy discussions on controversial questions 
• stay away from disputes and quarrels
• overcome envy, strife, and relational friction
• stop abusive language
• resist evil suspicions
• pursue righteousness, faith and love
• persevere and be gentle

CONTENTMENT (vv. 8, 10-11)

• be fully satisfied with food, clothing, and shelter
• flee the love of money
• be generous and ready to share

Could “great gain” be something way different, even way better, than what I thought it was? I should cultivate heaven’s perspective and look for heaven’s result...

“For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.”

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Jesus, Matthew 6.19-21

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The image at the top of this post is the Japanese symbol for "contentment".

The beautiful painting of the little girl and her kitten is entitled "Contentment" by artist Jim Daly who says, "This scene is... a picture of contentment. Most of us have had this experience of contentment. We try to hold on to it as long as we can, but it usually lasts only a moment, then it passes into our memories or is forgotten forever." You can learn more about Jim's work and how to purchase his excellent prints at http://www.jimdalyart.com/.