I am often struck by the enormity of the difference between what is actually true and what unenlightened men think or suppose. Where could we find this more markedly illustrated than in the fifth and sixth verses of I Tim. 6, where we find "men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness" when in fact just the opposite is true---"Godliness with contentment is great gain. 

    It should be carefully noted who it is that thinks gain is godliness. It is men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth. Such characters are in no position to form any correct concepts of what constitutes godliness. Being in a state of wretchedness and ignorance renders them incapable of such a judgment. They are destitute of spiritual discernment, or understanding, and therefore they are as apt to view one thing as godliness as they are another, just so long as it is not godliness. True godliness is foolishness unto them (See I Cor. 2:14). Notice that they supposed gain was godliness. This was because they had no evidence or knowledge to base their ideas upon. 

    But those who have the mind of Christ do not have to suppose what godliness is. They know that godliness consists of living in harmony with God's word; according to the "instruction in righteousness" that is laid down there; and they know that this, along with contentment, is great gain. It does not matter how poor a man may be in material goods, if he has godliness with contentment he is wealthy beyond words, for not only does he have the comfort of communion with Christ here in this time world, but he is also an heir of heaven---a joint-heir with Christ. Hence all the riches of the glory world are his jointly with Christ and with all the saints of God. What exceeding great riches indeed! 

     Contentment comes with a settled, firm and confident assurance that God will never leave us nor forsake us; that he will always do right by us, and that no matter how severe our trials and afflictions may become, all will ultimately be well. Who could ask for greater gain this side of heaven?