But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it.

The Apostle Paul is writing to young Timothy, new leader for the new church, and talking about such a practical thing as money. The scripture strikes at the heart: our contentment is tied more to money than it is to godliness. It’s our bent; it’s what we pull toward — contentment with money and not contentment with godliness. Or contentment that comes from realizing that God has provided us with food and clothes, and, as Paul says in verse 8, “we will be content with that.”

It reminds me again and again that God’s ultimate desire for me has very little to do with money, retirement, comfort or a solid future on earth. He looks at it from a totally different perspective, as if our work here is to glorify Him in preparation for our eternity There, in heaven.