:: greatness is a life well-lived ::

a healthy discontent

I've discovered throughout my life that I am a boat-rocker. I don't like "status quo." I'm uncomfortable when things get too comfortable. I often have a unsettled feeling in my heart that makes me go out and do something bold, adventurous, un-normal.

That feeling of unsettledness, the "something's not right" feeling, the "I want something more" feeling, has often plagued me as the course of my life continues on its way. Sometimes it's been God's preparation for changes coming; sometimes it's been an anxiousness on my part for things to come. The difficulty is discerning which is which, and what is a healthy discontent, and what is discontentment the opposite of "godliness with contentment is great gain" (or in other words, unhelpful discontentment).

The Apostle Paul spoke about contentment in his letter to the Philippian church, that he had learned the secret of being content in any and every circumstance. But he also talked about growing up in our faith, becoming mature and holy, to be imitators of Christ. Now, there's a paradox here, because if you are content with how things are, there's no need to change and grow. But since we are sinful humans still striving to become like Christ, we cannot remain as we are. Contentment or a healthy discontent?

Therefore, two things are going on here. First, Paul's contentment in various circumstances was enabled by the strength of Christ in Him, and he didn't have to worry or be anxious about what was going on because Christ was enough. Secondly, the work of God is not finished in our lives. His Spirit is always busy making us more like Jesus and making us holy as He is holy.

So then, discontent in circumstances is wrong, but contentment in our maturity level and growth is wrong as well. We must always be striving toward Christ, seeking to know and love and be more like Him, every day, for anything else is settling for status quo.

So today, I must figure out what kind of discontent I'm wrestling with. And why? And ask myself: How can I become more like Jesus today? And what needs changed to become more like Jesus today?

posted by FaithChristine @ 12:11