Great gain. It’s a phrase in 1 Timothy 6 that would get the attention of many. Who wouldn’t want to enjoy “great gain”? But notice what is of the greatest gain according to the Holy Spirit:
But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. (1 Tim 6:6-7)
The riches-related-warnings continue for several verses:
- Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. (6:9)
- The love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (6:10)
- The rich in this present age shouldn’t be haughty or set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. (6:17)
So what must the heaven-bound disciple who has been blessed with earth-bound riches remember?
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. (1 Tim 6:18-19)
We brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. But godliness with contentment? That’s gain greater than the greatest of earth’s treasures.