NEVER Confuse Contentment with Complacency!
November 15, 2010
We should never confuse contentment with complacency.
I’m not sure if it because of my age or because of my slow growing spiritual maturity that I am learning to be content. When I recently told a friend that I think I am arriving at true contentment I had this automatic conflict in me. Does that mean that I am complacent? Have I quit striving to do better?
I don’t think so. I always want to be more and do more. When I saw all the suffering that is still going on in Haiti I had this wave of guilt and thought to myself, ‘Should I be spending money on paint for the walls of our house when so many people do not have walls?’
If I were complacent, I wouldn’t care about what else needs to be done, who needs help, etc…
But I am content even if the walls don’t get painted. I am content with this imperfect body I have, the imperfect marriage I have, the unfinished home improvements, etc…
But I am not complacent about the things that I can do. I can work out, I can be a better wife, I can send money to the needy, I can do a home improvement project in moderation, and so on.
I know many women personally who destroy their marriage and their family because they are discontent. Their constant discontentment (nagging/spending/manipulating) will eventually lead to complacency in their husband and children. The family will simply give up because she can never be content.
I want my heart broken over things that are important. I do not want to fuss and complain over things that don’t really matter or that I cannot change.
I always wanted a bunch of children, after 4 births and a couple of surgeries (reversal), God closed my womb. For a very long time I was not content. I do not like that I am 45 and my house is becoming very quiet as they are growing up and out; but God has given me a spirit of contentment. I am not complacent. I keep my eyes and ears open to things that I need to be doing, but I am also content when things are not possible.
NEVER confuse contentment with complacency!
“Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed;
a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Luke 12:15
Topics: Character Lesson | 3 Comments »
Comments (3)
Excellent thoughts, Kathy.
I am learning contentment as well. Thank you for this post.
This is one of my favorite passages, and it has to do with contentment:
Philippians 4:10-12
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.