I Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain”
Transitions are never a straight line. It is hard to see when they will end. There is much grieving for what you left behind and often a mixture of excitement, fear and uncertainty as you face the future. God says, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” How do we get to a place of contentment in the midst of change?
Where are you in the process?
When I was young, I would often go up onto a little hill between my home and our neighbors’ so I could climb on a swing that hung from a great, big beautiful tree. I would stay up there for hours, singing and talking to God. It was the best feeling. I didn’t know who Jesus was, but I knew there was something out there—a God—and He must love me. I always wondered what life was going to be like when I grew up. I felt safe singing on my swing, but outside of that, there were a lot of unknowns and fears in my life.
Psalm 4:8 “In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Changes
I have experienced many changes in my life as I am sure you have. Some of my earliest memories include attending 6th grade at a private school around 1970, where I came to faith in Christ at age 11. Then I convinced my parents to place me back in public school for 7th grade. There definitely was a different atmosphere in the public school system. I remember feeling unsafe in my new school surroundings. Mistrust amongst the students had grown considerably. At times it was scary.
Going from one school back to another meant another transition. That same year my family moved in the middle of the year to a different location as I continued to commute to the same school.
The next year, I attended another school, and in the middle of that year my parents ended up separating from each other. Reputable parents, at that time, didn’t divorce, but mine did. This garnered a lot of condescension from my peers even for a 12-year old.
No Contentment
I knew that I was part of God’s family, but I just wasn’t content. I was still trying to find myself and find my “group” of peers where I could fit in and feel safe. My life was being lived out in fear; would others betray and leave me just as my father had? I was looking to people for answers and not to God, and they weren’t delivering.
I had not come to understand yet exactly what it meant to be God’s child—to run to Him in time of need, feeling safe and secure in the presence of my Abba Father. I hadn’t experienced the difference between my true Father versus my earthly Father. Who wouldn’t leave me or forsake me no matter what.
Hebrew 13:5b “…be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Going back to public school after being saved didn’t allow me to be discipled properly in the Word either. Consequently, I didn’t understand how to fight off temptations, nor what it meant to follow Christ and know I truly belong to him.
Wanting to Fit in
When I entered eighth grade, I was caught smoking and suspended for three days—trying to fit in. It had happened during recess, many of us students decided to stay inside because it was cloudy. When my gym teacher left the room, someone handed me a cigarette and lit it. We all went around taking a puff. When the teacher returned, I happened to be left with the cigarette in my hand, so I immediately opened the window, smashed it, and threw it out.
The teacher was the kind of person we really liked. He was “cool” and we were afraid to disappoint him. Being immature as we were, we didn’t realize too, as the tip continued to smolder outside the window, the teacher could still smell the smoke. He picked up the bud left on the ground and said “Gee, the sun must be hot, it lit this cigarette. Anyone know anything about it?” Of all the kids in the group, my friend Mona and I were the only ones who confessed, taking the rap for the rest.
(Eight Grade, age 13)
Many in the school were surprised because to them I was the “good girl” who did nothing wrong. This incident made me think about myself and the choices I was making. I knew Jesus loved me, but I wasn’t happy inside. I was discontent.
I didn’t know how to show Jesus my love. I thought it was up to me to do all the right things to please Jesus, and I wasn’t doing such a good job. Neither my friends, nor my poor choices were bringing me happiness. Being torn between Jesus and the craving to belong left me empty inside, wondering if I could love Jesus like He loved me. Would I ever have lasting friends who could love me just the way I am? It left me confused. Can you identify with such uncertainty?
Psalm 91:15 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble”
Turn of Events
Toward the end of eighth grade, Mona introduced me to the owner of a Christian Camp. They needed summer help in the kitchen. I didn’t have anything better to do, so I decided to apply for the job. My friend, Mona and I, both were accepted.
(Mona)
Shay, the director’s wife, took us under her wing and loved us just for who we were and not for what we could produce. We felt so much at home. We could be ourselves. We were also doing something useful, in serving others. We had Bible studies every morning.
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
I was beginning to grow in my relationship with Christ and truly believe what it meant to be loved and accepted by Him. I didn’t need to do anything to prove my love. Out of knowing the love He had for me, and through following His Word, I would learn contentment. That same feeling I felt when I was younger swinging on my rope swing. I Timothy 6:6, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”
Often when we are going through transitions or living in another culture, faced with fears like those I experienced in middle school, it is easy to compare life back “home” to life now, thus becoming discontent. We have to fight to remember what it means to be content. The journey with Jesus isn’t always straight and clear. It is a process that begins with finding ways to come into HIS PRESENCE, His Word, and joining a wise, supporting community. Full of choices! Which path will you take?
Psalm 91:1, 2 “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
Personal Reflection: What is one transition you’re facing now? Are you helping yourself or someone else understand and walk in true contentment? Where are you in the process now? Read I Timothy 6:6. I would love to hear one of your stories or thoughts on contentment in the comment section, “Contentment”
From one pilgrim to another on the journey,
”Consider how you may spur one another on towards love and good deeds….. encouraging one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
Please Reply in a gracious manner