Dictionary.com defines contentment as “the state of being satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.” In its highest and best form, the contented one is satisfied and fulfilled, at its lowest, comfortable and complacent.
As people, we know well the struggle between these two extremes. We fear the lack of growth and accomplishment; therefore, we strive to move forward- to change and achieve. This is not a bad thing. In fact it lines up with the truths from Scripture that God created us for good works (Ephesians 2:10) which He continues until they are complete. (Philippians 1:6)
We also know well the travel companion of fatigue and discontent that accompanies us in our striving; we long to rest from the work that tires us and leaves us still longing- for satisfaction and fulfillment. We desire that place of balance where we are growing and becoming more and more like Christ while resting in Him- completely satisfied and content.
The apostle Paul has much to say about contentment. In 1 Timothy 6:6 he writes-
“godliness with contentment is great gain.”
In his letter to the church at Philippi, he reminds us that finding contentment is a process- something to be learned. It’s not a once and done lesson- but practiced and mastered as life moves through varied circumstances of both plenty and want. It doesn’t come from natural strength or ability but from the very present working strength of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:11-13)
Through the years, I’ve learned that one of the biggest snares to contentment is comparison. It’s easy to divert attention to the lives, accomplishments, and blessings of the people around us. Social media provides an up close and personal, albeit uninformed and inaccurate view, and we determine that somehow God has shorted or overlooked us. We take matters into our own hands, diving headfirst into a sea that includes discontent, grumbling, and complaining and manifests itself in the ugliness of jealousy, competition, and lack of encouragement and celebration for others.
Training to keep myself free from this snare is always time well spent. I keep PICs rotating in my journal so that I intentionally and regularly ask God to work this tendency out of me and grow me up into the full benefits of freedom and security that are mine in Christ Jesus.
My most recent PIC is Philippians 4:11-13.
I’ve also completed two Bible studies within the last year that have provided insights and practical helps for breaking free from comparison. I highly recommend both of these resources- reviews coming soon.
Rachel & Leah- What Two Sisters Teach Us about Combating Comparison by Nicki Koziarz is an insightful and challenging study focusing on the lives of Rachel & Leah in Genesis 29-31 as they wrestled and competed for the love and affection of the same man. Even though it’s hard to put our minds around those same circumstances, Nicki challenged us to grapple with the all too familiar questions we ask as women, “Why her?” and “Why not me?” which inevitably take us to the place of discontent.
A second resource I found very helpful, especially with practical ways to intentionally reverse the negative spin of comparison and discontent is Sandra Stanley’s, Comparison Trap: A 28-Day Devotional for Women.
In her letter of introduction, Sandra says that comparison can “cause us to do some crazy stuff. Occasionally that crazy stuff is funny, but most of the time it’s not.” She continues by identifying that we are constantly bombarded with the temptation to see how we stack up- in appearances, homes, careers, families, and successes. She compares the cycle to that of a merry-go-round that just keeps on spinning.
My association with a merry-go-round is how sick it makes me feel. I want to get off but somehow can’t muster the strength or coordination to stop the spin long enough to plant my feet on solid ground.
I’ve found that specific prayer and Biblical truth help me with this- I’m learning to plant my feet on solid ground and reverse the negative spin of comparison in my life so that I am better positioned to bless others from a place of security and love.
Won’t you join me?
Daily PICs for Life 