Godliness and Contentment

In my last two posts, I talked about being a good example, and the beauty of nothing.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Timothy 6:6

I read that verse in 1 Timothy a few days ago, and realized that it summed up those main two points. There are two more things I'd like to mention, though, to wrap it all up.

First, the power of the tongue. My pastor has recently preaching through the book of James, and James heavily emphasizes the power of the tongue, for evil and for good.

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great htings. Behold, how great a matter a liuttle fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, and it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." - James 3:5-6

Also, I've been reading these last few days through the books of 1st and 2nd Timothy, where Paul warns Timothy repeatedly against ungodly words.

"Of these things, put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of hearers." - 1 Timothy 2:14

"But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." - 1 Timothy 2:16

"But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes." - 1 Timothy 2:23

Secondly, our joy. The message by Pastor Wurmbrand was an excellent guidepost towards experiencing "the beauty of nothing." This is mission critical - if we are not letting the Lord be our everlasting satisfaction and overflowing joy, we are veering toward idolatry. No matter what the external circumstances may be, we are commanded to rejoice always! Thus, this a very important matter - a command, which we must obey by the grace of God... for the praise of the glory of God. Yet, this is also about happiness, and joy. This balance was summed up by C.S. Lewis when he wrote, "There is a kind of happiness and wonder that makes you serious."

May we be serious as we seek to be holy - by the strength and mercy and grace that God gives to us daily - and pursue ultimate joy in God. A holiness that glorifies God and is a testimony to His love and goodness... and a joy that cannot be broken by the storms of this world.