Contentment Versus Complacency
Are you content no matter your circumstances?
Verse of the Day
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
Today’s Devotional
I have not yet learned to be content in all circumstances. Have you?
Paul says, “I am not saying “this”…”, which leads me to the question: What is the “this” to which Paul is referring?
It appears as though the Philippian church had renewed their financial support of Paul’s ministry, and Paul was rejoicing over that. But Paul seems to have this peace that his ministry will continue as long as it is God’s will, and that the costs will be covered in some way or another. It’s like he is saying, “Don’t feel bad that you couldn’t give to me for a time. I know you care about me and the work I am doing. It’s not like I’ve been starving to death. This is God’s work. And God has taught me how to be content with whatever He provides me to do His work.”
That leads me to ask myself whether or not I am doing God’s work. I’ve already confessed that I do not yet have the ability to be content whatever the circumstances. I’m curious what that would look like.
I believe that there is a fundamental difference between contentment and complacency. A difference between peace and trust versus inaction. Here’s what comes to my mind: When Paul encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was forever changed. His purpose on the earth shifted. Jesus told Paul that he would be “a servant and a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.” (Acts 26:16). Paul then began to carry out that purpose. Jesus did not tell Paul, “In order to accomplish this mission, most of the people you have long admired and respected will turn to despise you and even try to have you killed. You will be beaten. You will be misunderstood. You will be jailed. Repeatedly. BUT, because you will be in prison, you will have the opportunity to write letters to many groups of new believers in order to help them know Me, believe in Me and follow Me with their hearts and lives. An added benefit of all of these letters will be that they will become sacred texts that will instruct Christians for thousands of years.”
Paul’s encounter with Jesus and the faith that resulted from putting into practice what he had always known about the Messiah led him to carry out this divine mission without needing to know the details. He had a fundamental trust in the God of the universe, but he had some of the details and teachings wrong. His original goal of defending the sanctity of the Torah is actually inspiring. His ability to be teachable and have his mind changed so dramatically is nothing short of astounding. His willingness to learn and then do anything for his God is breathtaking. All of those things led Paul to a level of trust in God that allowed for contentment. That trust and contentment led Paul to be a man of action. He did the work without needing to know all of the details and without any kind of promised outcomes.
Contentment, therefore, seems to hinge on trust. Do I trust God enough to be content with exactly what I have today? With exactly who I am today? With the role and purpose I have today? Do I trust God enough to dream big dreams that will advance His Kingdom? Am I willing to move in those directions with no guarantee of the outcomes or my comfort along the way? There is no way for God’s plan to be thwarted. But I have 3 choices. (1) I can be opposed to God’s plan. (2) I can be a bystander and observer of God’s plan. Or…(3) I can be a willing participant and partner in God’s plan. I don’t recommend opposing God. I think many, if not most of us tend to fall in the “observer” category until we have some kind of “lightbulb” spiritual experience. Once we become active participants in advancing God’s Kingdom, we need to be aware and prepared for the journey. It will likely be uncomfortable. But the more we get to know God along the way, the more content we can be with the process. Because…it’s not about me. Or you. It’s all about bringing glory and honor to God. And making heaven crowded. I need to learn to be content with only those two goals.
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
For you, what is the difference between contentment and complacency?
Or peace and trust versus inaction?
How does your level of contentment compare to your level of trust in God?
How can you move toward being a more active participant in God’s plan?