An NBA superstar made the news for an unexpected reason: He drove a 21-year-old vehicle. That’s not what anyone would expect. What should a millionaire basketball player be driving? Whatever is new and fast and expensive. Not this guy. He drove around town in his old, beat-up car.
I wonder if he’s learned the truth of these words in the Bible: “Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8). To be content with food and clothing—and an old vehicle—is great gain!
That’s easier said than done. My sinful heart struggles with contentment. It seems like the grass is greener everywhere else. It seems like my life would be better if I had more and accomplished more and got praised more and seemed more important in everyone else’s eyes. Do you think that discontentment brings me happiness? Does your discontentment bring you peace? No way!
Instead, godliness with contentment is great gain. Your worth doesn’t come from the kind of car you drive or the brand of clothes you wear or how impressive you look in the mirror. It comes from your Savior Jesus who was willing to give up everything for you to make you his own. There is no greater gain than finding contentment in Jesus, even with a 21-year-old car!
