Is contentment possible?

Scripture Read: 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.

Application: All that man looks for, lives for, dreams of and even invests his life in, is right here in this verse, yet goes unseen by so many. The reason is we allow the world to define what “gain” is. What we fail to recognize is that due to the fact that in essence we are spiritual beings created in the image of God, nothing except communion and relationship with Him will ever bring total satisfaction to our soul. This is why you can meet someone that has “it all” in our eyes; looks, talent, fame, money, even an intimate relationship with another human being that appears bliss, yet if there is no connection to our Maker, that individual continues to have a deep sense for something more, but cannot put their finger on the problem. What confounds the world even more is to see someone that has none of what the world calls gain, yet they are at perfect peace in this life. In each case you will find that this person, no matter what other circumstances exist in their life; a deep, intimate relationship exists with the creator. It is essential that we rightly define what real gain is; otherwise we will continue to try and reach contentment through a means that will only lead to greater frustration. As we consider this text there are three words that need to be understood properly if we are going to measure and assess whether we are truly moving toward contentment or dissatisfaction. The first word is: Gain - por-is-mos'  πορισμοσ  a way of making a profit,  furnishing (procuring), i.e. (by implication) money-getting (acquisition): gain or source of gain[1]

In the original this word is connected many times with money, but not exclusively, the context sheds light on what this word is communicating. In this passage “gain” has more to do with acquisition and with procuring, in this case the definer of “gain” is the Creator. The second word is: Great -  meg'-as   μεγασ a thing to be highly esteemed for its excellence: excellent, splendid, prepared on a grand scale, stately[1]

This is the qualifier of the word gain. Scripture is talking about a gain that is far grander than just things or money. This great gain leads to what man craves the most, contentment. What is contentment, what does it look like? Our third word gives us a good understanding of the meaning.

Contentment    ow-tar'-ki-ah  αυταρκεια  contentment, enough, a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed,  sufficiency of the necessities of life,  a mind contented with its lot, contentment self-satisfaction, i.e. (abstractly) contentedness, or (concretely) a competence:-contentment, sufficiency [1]

A perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed; this statement is the picture that describes what every human being craves for. Life at peace, needs met, and a satisfaction with your life. This sounds so perfect, however, we must connect the thoughts of these three words to the source that will lead to the end and we want. The missing ingredient is not difficult to know, but remains aloof to so many because the flesh we live in does not desire to live in harmony with our Maker. Godliness is the key to contentment, no matter what form the great gain comes in. Whether that be things, riches, fame, emotional health, intellectual prowess or marriage and family, when we have an intimate communion with our Maker which produces godliness, then we add these other things, the result is we live content in the life we have.

Meditation Questions: If someone asked you if you were content, what would your answer be? Why? What does that say about your life? Do you see a difference between “contentment” and “frustration”? What is it? If you are frustrated about something what do you think God is saying to you? If you are discontented about something, what are you saying to God?  If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would it be? Why? What does that say about your life? Is it possible for you to thank God for every situation in your life at this moment? What does your answer reveal? What are you going to do about that?  

^[1] Zodhiates, S. (2000). The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.