Contentment vs. Complacency

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Contentment versus complacency— Let's talk about it today!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

Merriam-Webster's dictionary defines contentment as the quality or state of being contented. Contented is defined as a feeling or showing satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation. Biblical contentment is only achieved with a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and fulfilled only in striving to be more like Him.

The Bible has a lot to say about contentment throughout the Old and New Testaments.

A few examples—

If they obey and serve Him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment. ~Job 36:11 (NIV)

The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. ~Psalm 34:10 (NKJV)

The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. ~Proverbs 19:23 (NIV)

Two things I request of You (Deprive me not before I die): Remove falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches— Feed me with the food allotted to me; Lest I be full and deny You, and say, "Who is the Lord?" Or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God. ~Proverbs 30:7-9 (NKJV)

But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ~2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV)

I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content— whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ~Philippians 4:11-12 (CSB)

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ~1 Timothy 6:6-12 (ESV)

Jesus commands believers be content with what we have—

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ~Matthew 6:25 (NIV)

For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~Matthew 6:32-34 (NIV)

Gotquestions.org explains, "We can deduce that lack of contentment is sin, and it puts us in the same category as those who do not know God." Biblemoneymatters.com describes, "True contentment comes from accepting Christ, and having faith that in Him you will have everything you need. Christ is sufficient, and His promises are enough. Contentment can’t be found in God’s creation or in things like people, possessions, or money. In fact, those things may hinder your pursuit for true happiness and contentment."

In summary, believers are indeed called to learn how to be content in all circumstances and seasons.

However, there's a thin line between contentment and complacency...

And, if we're not careful, our pursuit for contentment that pleases God can lead to complacency (a feeling of calm satisfaction with our own abilities or situation that prevents us from trying harder) that displeases God.

For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to Me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster. ~Proverbs 1:32-33

Why?

Because complacency can cause us to not fulfill a specific mission, service, or calling God desires for us to complete. In other words, too much contentment can lead to complacency while excessively striving to not be complacent can lead to lack of contentment.

We have to find a balance in our lives. Sometimes we have to find contentment in difficult circumstances. And sometimes we have to be careful that our comfortable surroundings don't keep us from getting up, moving forward, and fulfilling God's plan for us. ~Lois Evans, Seasons of a Woman's Life

Therefore, God's balance is key! It's critical we stay connected to the Lord so we're empowered with God's discernment, proper balance, and wisdom concerning His will and plans for us.

We can stay connected by way of:

• Daily prayer (Mark 1:35)

• Studying His Word (John 15:7)

• Fasting (as the Holy Spirit leads)

• Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-25)

• Maturing as servants and Christ ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:11-21)

How are you doing in this area— contentment versus complacency? I'd love to hear from you!

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Remember, it's all about progression, not perfection! God loves you! With Him, you got this! Until next post, may God give you His peace and blessings!

~Natasha

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