When I was younger starting in the workforce, the push to climb the ladder in rank and position was constantly in my face. If someone didn’t have the goal to be the CEO they were labeled as not driven or lacking motivation. Unfortunately, I fell into that thought process, and advancement was my focus. My view of contentment was chasing money and a title. I was trying so hard to be something I was not and truly not even interested in. The world’s view of me was more important than what God thought of me. Seeking opportunity without consulting God led to a life of pure confusion and discontentment.
I think back to those people that were content in doing what I considered menial tasks, and believe some were delighting in working unto the Lord. Their lives were so peaceful and joyful because they were doing their purpose and knew it. Some had the education to run the company but understood their calling and valued that more than prestige. I was craving the joy, zeal, and contentment they were living in. They knew that calling on Jesus was the key to delighting in their tasks. I asked the Lord’s forgiveness for looking down on those people that were looking up.
Contentment verses settling
From a biblical view, contentment is being satisfied with what God is giving you and how He is leading you. It’s not pushing for an outcome, doubting His ability, or overstepping His boundaries. You are walking in a clear purpose that God has designed for you and staying the course. It’s being willing to accept the Holy Spirit saying wait or go, or yes or no, because you have humbled and submitted your will to His. Settling is operating in fear. When God has more for you to do in an area, but you choose to stop because it’s uncomfortable. You are unsure and afraid of what’s next and decide not to go forward. It’s also when you go ahead of God and do something without consulting the Lord. You think you can do it better than the Creator, instead of waiting on His best.
The Holy Spirit that dwells in us is our guide. Jesus knows all the details and sees the whole picture. We’re limited in everything, and anything that God allows us to do is because of His power. We must stop talking when the Holy Spirit is speaking to our hearts. When He is using others to share and encourage us to go forward, we must embrace them. There were times when I had a fire in my belly to do much more for Christ and didn’t. I pretended it was contentment and was living a lie. I disappointed myself and more importantly Jesus Christ because the views of others or fear took precedence.
Mediocrity
When I was choosing not to do something well for Christ, I was in a constant state of sadness. I was stuck in mediocrity settling for the devil’s view of me. Life was not fulfilling, but praise God I realized that I was operating in a spirit God did not give me, fear. My past was also driving this unfortunate state of existence. Although I’m aware of this, it’s a daily calling, and relying on Jesus to avoid going backward in my progress. Take action and securely put on the whole armor of God.
Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil – Loins girt about with truth – Breastplate of righteousness – Feet shod with the gospel of peace – Shield of faith – Helmet of salvation – Sword of the Spirit, Ephesians 6:11, 14-17
In conclusion
Spiritual attacks are real, and our enemy will use anything to tempt us to settle for less than God’s best. Use the Bible and the Holy Spirit to discern if you are settling or resting in God’s contentment. Choose to push through the fear and your past to surpass mediocrity. Remember, contentment looks different for each of us but is all-powerful when used for God’s purpose.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Have you ever had a wrong view of contentment about someone or a situation?
- Is there something you are settling for and labeling it as contentment because of fear?
- Study the armor of God and put it on daily.
Yes, yes & yes!
Contentment! What conviction! My heart breaks for my discontentment I had this week when my husband was never home for dinner this week with us and I longed for him to be home at least Saturday and I prepped a huge meal and dessert only to hear he wouldn’t be home. My heart broke and sunk. Instead of being content with the sweet children I was able to eat with I looked at what I didn’t have. Of course I enjoy and don’t take that for granted that I have them to eat with. But I quickly became discontent and hurt and allowed the enemy to use that. Thanks for this reminder Carol. Jesus please forgive me for not being content and allowing this to ruin my evening.
Oh it’s so easy to do!
Also the other night I couldn’t sleep
I spent the evening allowing the enemy to mess with my mind and I saw hurtful things on social media from family that allowed discontentment to once again stir in my heart and allowed frustration and pain to keep me wide awake! What a waste! Instead of being content with the beautiful people God has given me I quickly became discontent and hurt.
Thank you God for the people you have placed in my life in place of the ones that aren’t! Forgive me for not always seeing this.
Love you Carol. I’m writing those verses on notecards and putting them on my mirror for reminder!
Sorry for the long comment! Had to share how God worked with this. Thank you for your encouragement and gentle reminders !
Ashley, Thank you for sharing your heart and allowing us to take this to the Lord in prayer. Also, thank you for reminding us of the danger of social media if we are not guarding our hearts. I appreciate and welcome your comments!
Hi Carol, I don’t have a comment on this week’s post but rather your video tidbit. I appreciate the reminder of why we should share our story/stories. Our story should point to God’s glory. There are times I have missed the mark by telling my story and getting lost in that rather then taking it to the next step of expressing how God saved me, transformed me, revealed truth or taught me perseverance. Amen that we should continue to share our stories, shortcomings and sin so that we can point to Christ and the amazing of His sacrifice for us! To God be the Glory! Love in Christ! -Heidi
Heidi, Thank you! Our story is important but more importantly is that we give all glory and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for watching the videos, reading the blog, and your comment!
I love, love, love the contentment vs settling highlight! You broke it down very plainly. I have been guilty of misconstruing my settling for contentment. I praise God in recent years He’s allowed me to know who I am in Him. I’m glad to know in Him I don’t have to settle anymore, while trusting Him with the process!
Thank you for sharing this with us ❤️
Lisa, I am in total agreement with not having to settle anymore, while trusting Him with the process. Amen!!! Thank you for your comment!
Thank you Carol. It is so easy to get caught up in the world of thinking I need to have bigger and better or the falsehood of thinking that things should be a certain way. I too used to think that I needed to get a better position or make more money. Falsely thinking that because of that I would be in a better position to influence people. I think of Paul and how earthly speaking with his education we think he may have been a greater witness to the learned Jews, but God sent him to the Gentiles because that is where He wanted Paul.
We must let God place us where He wants us and then we can feel the true joy and contentment of serving Him how he sees best. Where is our place in His kingdom? I know that if i had a higher up position I would not have the time to study and do God’s will, many opportunities of ministry would be lost. I am grateful for a low-end job where I only have to work 40 hours a week. I don’t want to hinder His word from going out, so I let my job placement be His choosing. If I am to stay He keeps me, if I am to leave He moves me, but right now I just try to listen and obey. There is so much uncertainty in the worldly life, but we can be certain of God’s word, His love, and that He has a plan for us.
I know for myself I am most content and joyful when I let go and let God lead.
Thanks again!
Carolyn, Amen! Wonderful example of Paul! Praise God for your view of being a servant it truly encourages me! Thank you for your comment.