1 Timothy 6:6-8
6But godliness with contentment is great gain: 7for we brought nothing into the world, for neither can we carry anything out; 8but having food and covering we shall be therewith content.
Scripture Testimony Index stories for this passage
Having moved in obedience to God's call from Kerala to Chelur in Andhra Pradesh, the Fernandus family had to make do with the very modest provisions at Chelur, and this they did with contenment and gratitude to God.
Booth Tucker, of the Salvation Army, wrote to his friend C.T. Studd about the lifestyle of the English missionaries he was leading in India. He wrote beautifully about their contentment at having just food and clothing.
When some British officers got lost in the area of Pedapalli, and found the Stokes living there, they could not believe it for there were so many basic necessities that they had no access to. But for the missionary couple, Godliness with contentment was great gain, because regardless of their situation; they were happy!
Henry Moorhouse was wholly devoted to the work of evangelism. While he greatly appreciated American innovations and could see how selling such things back in England would be profitable, he was, like Martin Luther, devoted to God's work alone, and could trust Him for his “daily bread.” He was content with the sufficient “food and raiment” God constantly provided.
Johann's fidelity to preaching the gospel as it is got him into trouble, he lost his license, church, home, and livelihood and as a result, he had to move his family of ten to a most inconvenient apartment. But their pitiful condition notwithstanding, this family was filled only with thanksgiving to God and a sense of contentment that remains exemplary.
Corrie ten Boom writes about the early years of her parent's life as a couple; their happiness and contentment with the little they had. Their happiness wasn't dependent on the happenings but on the relationship they had through those happenings.
Even though a life of affluence and abundance could be pursued, the Torjesens and their children chose a life of frugality and poverty. As missionaries to China, God was their source and with great contentment they looked up to him to provide all their needs.
When Larry moved to Thailand for missionary service, he had to deal with a world much different from the one he was used to at home in the US. And inspired by the exemplary life of Mr. Itch, a Thai believer, Larry learned to be modest and content.