A little talk about life

A LITTLE TALK ABOUT LIFE

 

Godliness with contentment is great gain. (1 Timothy 6:6)

 

            A SWEET MEMORY I HAVE as a mother is receiving the gift of a lawn chair on Mother's Day. “So we can have little talks about life” was my youngest son's reasoning for his choice. Heart-to-heart talks have great value, especially with a trusted spiritual “coach.”

The apostle Paul's young partner in ministry, Timothy, had been left to lead the new believers in the Ephesian church. I'm sure many “little talks” had taken place between the two. This letter included clarification and teaching on some basic beliefs, but maybe the toughest issue was that of experiencing personal contentment in the Christian walk. I have a feeling Timothy read the letter more than once.

            Contentment is a rare commodity in today's society, and this little talk about it is good for us as well. From children to adults, “enough” seems to mean getting just a little bit more. The good, bad, and ugly circumstances of life provide a reason to jump ship and do something else.

Paul wrote that he learned to be content in the midst of his deepest needs. Timothy had watched Paul practice what he preached about this issue. It was possible through the power of the Holy Spirit and his continuous desire of wanting to know Christ.

 

—Jeanette Vermilya

 

Nurture contentment—it leads to godliness. A satisfied heart is the result.