holy discontent

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 6
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. [1 Timothy 6:6-8]
Content about the things of this world (food, clothes, money, possessions), but discontent about spiritual things – a holy discontent.
Since no one is ever perfectly godly, their heart’s desire must always be to be more godly – this is what Paul means by godliness.
Do not be content with where you are at spiritually, but seek more, pursue it!
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. [1 Timothy 6:11]

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [Matthew 6:32-33]
Jesus also advises against striving for food and clothing – the kinds of things pagans run after, the things God knows we need – and instead to seek, to pursue spiritual things – His kingdom, His righteousness.
What Jesus describes here is what Paul calls ‘godliness with contentment’.

So where is my heart in this, what am I pursuing, seeking, with all my heart?
How much do I desire the things that Paul describes: righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness?
Jesus warns about how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom, and the rich young ruler is a perfect example of this.
Paul’s warning and encouragement to the rich is SO RELEVANT for us today:
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. [1 Timothy 6:9-10]
Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. [1 Timothy 6:17-19]

Where is my heart in regards to worldly riches?
What do I seek or pursue as first in my life?

PRAYER:
Lord, I am rich, but am I rich toward You? Stir within me a holy discontent, a dissatisfaction with my spiritual condition that drives me to pursue the things that really matter.