The Perspective of Stewardship: Finding True Wealth in Godliness and Contentment

In a world obsessed with material wealth and financial success, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. But what if we could shift our perspective and discover a different kind of richness – one that brings lasting fulfillment and peace? This is the transformative message at the heart of true stewardship.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, offers profound wisdom on this topic. He presents a radical idea: "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). This simple yet powerful statement challenges our conventional notions of wealth and success.

But what exactly does this mean? Let's break it down:

Godliness refers to conforming our character to God's – aligning our thoughts, feelings, desires, and actions with His nature. It's about cultivating a passionate relationship with God, as beautifully illustrated in Psalm 63. This psalm paints a picture of someone who thirsts for God's presence above all else.

Contentment, on the other hand, is an inner sufficiency that keeps us at peace regardless of our external circumstances. It's not about settling for less, but finding satisfaction in God's provision, whether abundant or modest. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 3:5, "Our sufficiency is from God."

When we combine godliness with contentment, Paul says we experience "great gain" – a richness that surpasses mere financial wealth. This perspective shift is crucial for several reasons:

1. It reminds us of life's temporary nature: "For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it" (1 Timothy 6:7). Everything between birth and death is essentially on loan from God. This realization should foster gratitude for whatever blessings we receive, rather than constant striving for more.

2. It redefines our basic needs: "If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that" (1 Timothy 6:8). While it's not wrong to desire improvement in life, this verse challenges us to find contentment in meeting our essential needs, rather than constantly chasing excess.

3. It warns against the dangers of wealth-obsession: "But they that will be rich (desire to be rich) fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." (1 Timothy 6:9). The pursuit of riches for their own sake can be spiritually perilous.

This teaching isn't just for those struggling financially. Paul offers wisdom for three distinct groups:

For Those Who Are Not Rich: Embrace the formula of godliness plus contentment. Recognize that everything you have is more than you arrived with and more than you'll leave with. Practice gratitude for God's provision, even as you work towards improvement.

For Those Who Desire to be Rich: Be cautious of the deceptive nature of wealth. The love of money can never truly satisfy (Ecclesiastes 5:10). It can become a trap, leading to destructive behaviors and spiritual decline. Remember, "The love of money is the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10).

For Those Who Are Rich: If blessed with abundance, guard against pride. Don't trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. Use your wealth for good, being "rich in good deeds, and generous and willing to share" (1 Timothy 6:18). This way, you store up treasure with eternal value.

The key is maintaining the right perspective. Consider this powerful illustration: Imagine your doctor calls to say you have only a year to live. Suddenly, your priorities would shift dramatically. Petty arguments and grudges would lose their importance in light of eternity. This is the kind of perspective shift we need when it comes to stewardship and our attitude towards wealth.

It's worth noting that by global standards, many of us are considered wealthy. The average global personal income is just $9,733 per year, with the median per-capita household income at only $2,920. This realization should fuel our gratitude and generosity.

So how do we cultivate this balanced perspective? Here are some practical steps:

1. Regularly practice gratitude for what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack.

2. Invest time in developing your relationship with God, making spiritual growth a priority.

3. Evaluate your spending and see if it aligns with your values and eternal priorities.

4. Look for opportunities to be generous and use your resources to bless others.

5. Pray for contentment and trust in God's provision, as exemplified in Proverbs 30:8-9: "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread."

The apostle Paul's own testimony in Philippians 4:11-12 beautifully encapsulates this mindset: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need."

Ultimately, true stewardship is about recognizing that everything we have comes from God and belongs to Him. Our role is to manage these resources wisely, with an eternal perspective. When we stand before God one day, it won't matter what we left behind – only what we sent ahead through our faithful stewardship.

As you reflect on your own life and resources, consider: Are you cultivating godliness and contentment? Is your perspective aligned with eternal values rather than temporary riches? Are you using what God has entrusted to you in a way that will lead to hearing those coveted words: "Well done, good and faithful servant"?

May we all strive to live with the perspective of true stewards, finding our greatest wealth in a deep relationship with God and a contented heart, regardless of our financial circumstances.