Content or Complacent?

We admire people with a spirit of contentment, not having to have the latest and greatest of every new trend or only the very best in accommodations and dining.

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

We know the Apostle Paul dealt with a very wide range of challenging circumstances, including shipwrecks and imprisonment. He wasn’t a fearful man, afraid of change. He certainly didn’t use contentment as an excuse for not moving forward…it was quite the opposite. Contentment helped him adapt to whatever came his way.

This spirit of contentment may not have come naturally but was something he learned along the way. What a valuable lesson to be learned!

We bring this up because we see a danger, particularly as we grow older, in using contentment as an excuse for not pursuing a new adventure. Perhaps we’re holding back from something God really wants us to do, but we say ‘pass’ and slap a contentment  label on it.

Risk avoidance and contentment are two different animals. Of course, it’s wise to minimize certain risks as we grow older, such as climbing tall ladders or navigating icy steps.

But maybe we’ve turned down a very doable serving opportunity, saying we’re content to stay home. Or we stick with the status quo because we’re afraid of change.

Lord, please help us discern the difference between complacency and contentment.

When it comes to our long lists of wants, please guide us with a spirit of contentment. When you want us to be more flexible and pliable, give us the grace to accept circumstances that are less than perfect.

At the same time, please give us Holy Spirit boldness so that we run from complacency and fear…into your arms. Knowing you are with us in every situation brings true contentment.