Paul made a profound statement to his young disciple Timothy when he wrote, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Timothy 6:6, NIV). Perhaps the most profound thing about Paul’s statement is that it clearly reveals to us the pursuit of “godliness” alone is not enough! In order for “godliness” to reach its full potential in the lives of believers we must also learn the art of “contentment.” We will never be able to reach and maintain the level of “godliness” God has planned for His people unless our “godliness” is coupled with “contentment!” That’s why Paul wrote, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Timothy 6:6, NIV). In previous lessons explained that “godliness” is translated from the Greek word “eusebeia” which is a compound word from “eu” meaning “well done,” and “sebeia” which means “to worship.” Therefore, “godliness” refers to worship that is done well—execellance in worship. By practical application it describes a life that in every respect is characterized by the “excellent worship” of God. In order to understand the concept of “godliness,” we must correctly define “worship.” Let me begin by explaining that worship is not a suggestion in the Bible—it is a command! King David wrote, “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness” (Psalm 29:2, NIV). Since worship is a command from God, it is imperative that we know what worship is! Worship is our human attempt to express the worth of God. Originally, the English word for worship was “worthship!” In the process of worship we express to God the praise, adoration, and thanksgiving that are due Him. Authentic “worship” is a lifestyle, not simply something believers do for an hour on Sundays! This kind of “worship” is so rare that God is conducting a global search for people who do it well. Jesus said, “A time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (John 4:23, NIV). Unless we learn to be “content” in our present circumstances—regardless of what they are—we will be continually distracted from our “worship” of God. Discontentment consistently wages war against a life-style of “excellence in worship.” That is, at least in part, what Paul was explaining to young Timothy when he wrote, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (I Timothy 6:6, NIV). Paul’s statement reveals the surpassing value of “contentment.” Without it, our most valiant attempts to achieve and maintain “godliness” are doomed to failure!