Sometimes more is not better. Without deep contentment, we are always seeking that next thing to satisfy our souls. However, while growing in contentment we must not become complacent. Discovering the more can also be an act of faith.
Photo by Kazden Cattapan on Unsplash
Contentment is a mark of maturity, while complacency often reveals our laziness. But sometimes we hide our complacency behind the pretense of contentment.
We tell ourselves we are satisfied with life when really we have merely grown comfortable.
Contentment
Contentment is our ability to rest in what God has given us. He has provided all we need, and in him we can live with an overflowing peace.
This frees us from chasing after all the external trappings of life.
If only I had that job, those credentials, that relationship then my life would be okay!
We don’t have to fret and worry about not having enough when we are content. Like a baby at his mother’s breast, we trust our deepest needs and desires will be fulfilled.
Complacency
While contentment allows us to rest, complacency is passively allowing things to stagnate when improvement is possible and needed. It is sitting on the sidelines rather than faithfully engaging in our life and relationships.
Things are comfortable. Why hassle with more?
The danger of complacency is missing the fullness of what God has for us.
There is an expectation that we will take what he has given us and grow it into its highest good. And when we are complacent we have disowned this responsibility.
There is great freedom in contentment. Our souls can thrive regardless of our external circumstances.
But we rob ourselves of God’s best when we shirk our duty to grow and become complacent.
Be content and, without complacency, continue to discover the more.
