Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), 1 Ti 6:6–8.
Discontent in most people drives pursuit. They are unsatisfied with what they have or their current circumstances and their desire to have more causes them to pursue more. Similarly, there are those that are discontent and desire more but they choose just to complain about their lack instead of pursuing change. To be honest, I believe some of these will never be content.
Paul is giving instruction to Timothy here and is telling him to be godly while being content. He does not seperate these two states. The Greek word for contentment is autarkeia (ŏw-tar´-ki-ah). Its meaning gives the idea of self-sufficiency. However, we know that its impossible to be self-sufficient without Christ. Paul writes this to the church in Philippi making that exact point:
11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Php 4:11–13.
Philippians 4:13 is a very popular scripture. Here it has to do with being content with what you have, whether it is a lot or a little. Christ is the one who strengthens us.
Here is one problem with being discontent. Nothing made on this earth can truly satisfy you on its own. Food is necessary to live and clothes can keep us insulated from the elements. Combined with Christ and used to honor Christ these things are great in the right measures. However, on their own they can become idols. We become gluttons or we focus on how we look so much that we lose our way. Paul uses the example of money as well to show that it isn’t the money that is evil but the pursuit of it.
Discontent causes the pursuit of contentment. There is only one way to keep the pursuit in check. Be satisfied with what you have as long as it allows you to serve God to the best of your ability. All things are to be used as tools to do the work. In the end, all material things will pass away and the only thing left is what was done in the service of God.