Godliness With Contentment

Good morning, Immanuel. You can die with a wealth of riches of which the world cannot even fathom.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain…” (1 Tim. 6:6).

Photo by Jingming Pan on Unsplash

Where do we find the power to daily walk the path of godliness with contentment? Or where can someone find the power to turn from the idols of self and wealth to the worship of the true God? 

There is only one way. It is what Thomas Chalmers, the Scottish pastor, called “the expulsive power of a new affection.” Expulsive power as in “old desire, get out of here, you’re expelled.” The power to turn from old desires and cravings and to walk the path of godliness with contentment comes when the beauty and the majesty and the glory of Jesus show up and completely overwhelm and replace the idols of self and wealth. 

Here is Chalmers’ argument. It’s not enough to see the futility of the idols of the world. We must see the beauty of Christ. He writes:

The love of the world cannot be expunged by a mere demonstration of the world's worthlessness. But may it not be supplanted by the love of that which is more worthy than itself? . . . when we are enabled by faith, which is His own gift, to see His glory in the face of Jesus Christ . . . it is then, that a love paramount to the love of the world, and at length expulsive of it, first arises in the regenerated

What’s he saying? He’s saying that Jesus, in all his glory, comes in and changes the subject of our lives. Jesus overwhelms and replaces our old desires. The real Jesus takes the place of our old loves. He is sweeter. He is better. He is more trustworthy. He is true riches. 

Friends, don’t miss this. Here is the power. The power to walk the path of true riches, the power to die a rich man or woman, the power to take hold of the great gain of verse 6, is the gospel, “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.”

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Want to help beautify our space ahead of Easter? Our wonderful Deacons have organized an Immanuel work day for March 30th from 9 am to 12 pm. We'll kick off the morning with some donuts and get out with plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day. There will be plenty to do, so families with kids can jump in! Sign up here!