There's a fundamental difference between being content and being complacent. Contentment is a state of being where you accept the reality of your situation, without complaint or resentment. When you're content you work on the things you can change and accept the things you can't, all while refusing to be disheartened.
You don't let circumstances steal your joy.
When you're complacent, on the other hand, you somehow adopt a "good enough" or "that'll do" mentality. You become satisfied with mediocrity, possessing no real aspirations to do and be more.
Contentment is healthy, but complacency...well, that's dangerous.
We must ask God to help us strike a balance, so we can say like Paul, "For I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11b-13 ).
That doesn't mean we should lower our expectations and anticipate hardship. No, no, not at all. But it does mean that, we must learn to accept where we are, even if it's in the valley, with full assurance that trouble won't last always.
Again, we have to strike a balance.
We must work toward our goals while not becoming impatient and frustrated with the journey. We have to remain thankful for where we are today, though we have a deep-seated desire to move beyond where we are today. We must praise God for the territory we currently have covered, while believing and expecting Him to enlarge our territory.
We have to be content during this season, while anticipating an even better season to come. Don't spend all Winter longing for the Spring, or all Spring wishing it were Summer, or all Summer frustrated that it's not Autumn.
No.
Appreciate the season you're in while eagerly anticipating the change of seasons that will inevitably come in time.
Listen, God has so much more for you than what you now see. So don't become complacent with where you are. At the same time, don't lament where you are either. Don't get impatient and restless. Enjoy the journey.
Don't become consumed with temporal things. God will provide for every need. As Paul told Timothy, "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain that we will carry nothing out" (1 Timothy 6:6).
That's why we have to remember to do as Jesus instructed: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
Wake up every morning with a heart full of thanksgiving. Smile and say, "This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24).
And as you rejoice and celebrate your today, you'll wake up to an even brighter tomorrow.
As always, thanks for reading, and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
www.eewmagazine.com