Contentment, regardless of our circumstances, is fully possible for those whose Lord and Savior is Jesus Christ. In fact, it is a command.
Paul said he’d learned how to be content.
I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. (Philippians 4:11)
To Be Contented, First Be Discontent
In order to be content, however, we first must be discontent.
Huh?
Contentment requires that we know God is sovereign over our circumstances, and that we trust Him to be with us and bring good out of it. Contentment requires surrender to Almighty God, who knows what is best.
That level of knowledge, trust, and surrender requires us to be discontent with our spiritual growth. (This discontentment is with our own spiritual state. It is not discontentment with our situation, which is sin.)
Keep Growing
In this world, we are to keep growing. God is working on and in us (Philippians 2:13). AND we must press on to walk in a manner worthy of Him.
Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord…please Him in all respects, bear…fruit in every good work and increase…in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:10)
Strive to Grow
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. (1 Corinthians 9:24)
I discipline my body and make it my slave. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7)
You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin; (Hebrews 12:4)
Be Discontent with Your Spiritual State; Press On
Be discontent with where you are spiritually. Hate what doesn’t please Him.
Strive to walk in His way.
Press on.
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12–14)
Press On!
