A Case against Contentment

 

Image by kenyee

By Greg Primm

We’re bombarded with it everyday.  Everywhere we look there are reminders that we need M-O-R-E.  More money, a nicer car, perfect kids, better relationships, more stuff.  We compare ourselves to our neighbors, co-workers, friends.  The other guy’s got it all we think — the house, the car, the wife, the family.  It’s an illusion of course.  I know he’s got the same problems as me, but I keep coming back to the thought that somehow he’s got it all figured out.

Just be content already!  I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of being told to be content.  After all, its the American way to want more, to never be satisfied, right?  Our country was founded by people who weren’t content with their lives.  I think that’s one reason the the United States has enjoyed so much success.  We’re a country made up of people who were willing to sacrifice life in their home countries for the chance at a better life.  They launched out into the unknown with no guarantee of success, just the hope that they could improve their lot in life.

As a Christian, though, I’m told to embrace contentment.  Throughout scripture, I read that I should be happy with what I have.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8

Here’s my problem – doesn’t discontentment make us better?  A healthy dose of discontentment is what made me go to college.  Being unsatisfied is what led me to change jobs for a better opportunity.  If I was happy with the status quo, would I read books to improve myself?  The biggest and best changes in my life occurred when I finally said to myself, “I’ve had it! This has got to change right now!”  If I had been content with my life, would I have made the same decision?

So which way is right — Contentment or a life of Discontent?

To unwrap this issue, let’s look at a passage in Matthew that I think sheds some light:

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 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 6:31-34.

I’ve heard people use this passage as an excuse to go after their own agenda.  I’ve done it myself many times.  I think, “if I just follow God, I can ask for almost anything and get it.”  Of course I know this isn’t really the case.  Most people don’t read the first couple of verses.  Jesus is talking about food, clothing, and maybe shelter.  He’s not talking about anything else.  What’s this mean?  I think God means he’s most concerned with the basics of life.  I don’t think God cares whether we have the big job, car, the latest gadget.  He’s more concerned about our character.  Are we seeking the things that He thinks are important?

Rick Warren who wrote the Purpose Driven Life has one of my favorite quotes about the subject,

“In order for us to not become too attached to earth, God allows us to feel a significant amount of discontent and dissatisfaction in life – longings that will never be fulfilled on this side of eternity.  We’re not completely happy here because we’re not supposed to be!  Earth is not our final home; we were created for something much better. “  Purpose Driven Life, 50.

So what’s the answer?  While its different for everyone, I’m striving to be Discontentedly Content.  Yep, I just made up that concept I think.  Probably should get a trademark on it.  What in the world does it mean?

God made us to strive for more, to strive for something unseen.  That’s Rick Warren’s point.  At the same time, God wants us to know that he’ll take care of the basics.  If we trust in Him, the basics of life will work themselves out.  I think God is saying to us, “Trust first in me, seek my plan for your life, then GO FOR IT!  If it doesn’t work out, I’ve got your back.  I’ll make sure you eat and have a place to live, that the kids won’t go cold this winter.”

How to be Discontentedly Content in three easy steps.

1. Trust God, seek His will.
2. GO FOR IT!
3. God will cover the basics.

So, am I way off base or what?  Let me know in the comments.