To Be Content or Not to Be Content
But godliness with contentment is great gain. ~1 Timothy 6:6
I think of myself as a content person. Sure, there are things I would change if I could, but overall, I am grateful to God for my life. The problem I have, though, is I also like routine, do not usually go for change, and am hesitant to try new things, at which point I have to question: Am I content or in a rut?
Contentment is important. God does not want His people to be complainers who are never happy with their lot in life. But you and I must also be willing to grow, to step out of our comfort zones from time to time, to know when God desires us to change our way of doing things. We must not confuse contentment with apathy.
I think the key is to seek God daily as to what He would have you to do. Then do those things with all your heart as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). If you are doing that, then you can be content that He will provide all of your needs. If, however, you find yourself becoming lazy and calling that contentment, you may want to reevaluate that.
This is a new year–a time to examine our lives and ask God what we need to change. If you are discontent with where you are in life, ask God to show you if you are where He has you or if you are there because of decisions you made without Him. If the former, then ask God to change your heart and help you to embrace your state and to serve Him joyfully. If your life has been full of bad choices that have placed you in the proverbial gutter, then turn to Him today and begin to change your ways. And if you are where you’re at because it’s where you’ve always been, and it’s become quite comfortable, then pray for discernment to know if you should be content at that place or if God desires to move you to another. Don’t forget that the only truly safe place to be is in the center of His will.
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