I read this quote the other day:
Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have.
As I've pondered contentment, my mind has turned to complacency.
The Free Dictionary defines complacency as:
1. A feeling of contentment or self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy.
2. An instance of contented self-satisfaction.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." But earlier in that same book he wrote, "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13-14)
It seems to be a very fine line. Finding contentment with the
things we
have, while not growing complacent with
ourselves. Les preached a
message a couple of weeks ago about the ten virgins as found in Matthew
chapter 25. They all had enough oil for one day, but the wise had extra
oil. All it took was one day of complacency for the five foolish
virgins to be lost.
When it comes to the things of God, more is better! We can never reach a place that we can say, "I have enough."
