True Gain

True gain does not come from smart investments in the stock market, a large income, or storing up worldly knowledge. True gain comes from knowing Christ (Phil 3:7-11) and pursuing godliness (1 Timothy 6:6-9).

Knowing Christ: But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith – that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. – Phil 3:7-11

Pursuing godliness: Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. – 1 Timothy 6:6-9

When I am not thankful and content, I should pursue true gain by pursuing an intimate knowledge of Christ and joy in godliness. Idols that rule my heart make for cruel masters. “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10.) Why not serve the true and living God? How silly I am when I do not praise God for his blessings (James 1:17) and enjoy what he has given me (Ecclesiastes 5:19).

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. – 1 Timothy 6:11-12

How great a salvation! Whoever does the will of God abides forever.