Too content

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Victory Call

“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” Philippians 4:11
“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Timothy 6:6

Can we be too content?
Sitting around the table one night with some other believers, we were talking about the propensity to isolate ourselves.  Let’s face it, it is easier to stay home than to step out to serve others or to be involved in ministry. One of the men at the table said, “I’m just perfectly content to stay home and read a good book.” Now, I know we are called to be content in every situation knowing God has not put us anywhere by accident.  However, when this gentleman said that, he said it in a way as if that kind of contentment was a good thing… but I dare say, I don’t think it is what Paul meant when he said he learned to be content in all things.

Contentment is a beautiful thing.  Isolation is not. That being said, contentment can never be our reason for passing up opportunities to be about God’s business.  “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” Proverbs 18:1

Contentment through isolation is not godly contentment, it is being perfectly happy with self… a rather self-centered contentment. We may be perfectly content to be alone – and that is not a bad thing at all – but if I isolate because it is easier, less effort, less stressful – I think I have missed the intention of God for us to be about kingdom business.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.

 

Let’s be content in every situation but not too content that we fail to be involved in body life.

 

Written by Diane Hunt: Diane Hunt serves on the board of America’s Keswick and is the Executive Director & CEO of Changed Choices, a Christian non-profit in North Carolina. She is also a biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8-9