THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTENTMENT AND COMPLACENCY

Do you know that there is a fundamental difference between contentment and complacency that can dramatically impact your life?

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONTENTMENT & COMPLACENCY?

I think a good place for us to start is by defining these two terms so that we are on the same page.

CONTENTMENT:  

the state of being happy, satisfied, and at ease with one’s situation in life

COMPLACENCY:

the feeling of self-satisfaction or security with an existing situation, often while unaware of unpleasant realities or harmful possibilities

I hope you can see there is a fundamental difference between being content and being complacent.

WHAT CONTENT PEOPLE SAY VS. WHAT COMPLACENT PEOPLE SAY

Contentment is wisely accepting the reality of situations you cannot change, without complaint or resentment.

Complacency is smugly refusing to accept responsibility for things over which you have some control.

A content person says,

I will accept what God has given me and make the most of it.”

 Circumstances do not control you or steal your joy.

A complacent person cries,

This is good enough because I cannot do anything to make it better.”  

Circumstances rule your life and keep you from moving forward.

Contentment = accepting

Complacency = settling

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE CONTENT OR COMPLACENT?

When you are content you are willing to work on the things you can change and accept the things you cannot while keeping the proper perspective.

When you are complacent, you are satisfied with mediocrity, possessing no real aspirations to do and be more.

• Contentment acts.
• Complacency watches.
• Contentment chooses.
• Complacency ignores.
• Contentment is healthy, but complacency…well, it can be toxic.

POWERFUL QUOTE ON CONTENTMENT VS. COMPLACENCY

You have to decide: do you want to make things happen or do you want to watch things happen?

It’s been my experience that most of the people who watch things happen are the ones who are usually wondering what just happened.”

Peyton Manning

CONTENTMENT VS. COMPLACENCY IN THE BIBLE

So how does God fit into all of this? If we acknowledge God is in control of our lives, what does His sovereignty mean for us as it relates to contentment and complacency?

We can argue both sides, right?

If God is in control, I just need to accept what He gives me and be content…or…if God is in control, it does not really matter what I do, so I will just sit back and let it all happen.

A very subtle yet very dangerous difference.

We need God to help us discern what it is we should accept and what He wants us to change on the road of contentment, so we can say like Paul:

SCRIPTURE VERSES ON CONTENTMENT

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 

I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.

In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

Contentment does not mean lowering our expectations and bracing ourselves for hardship. But it does mean learning to accept that trials, pain, and suffering are all a part of our lives and can be used to teach us, make us strong, and deepen our dependence on God.

Paul’s circumstances, both good and bad, led him to the same conclusion: He could do everything with God’s strength. (Please note the action verb of  “doing.”)

Complacency is waiting for life to change without any hope that it will. Contentment puts its hope and trust in God alone, knowing that He will provide strength for change.

EMBRACING BIBLICAL CONTENTMENT

If you are at peace, knowing God is in control, then you are CONTENT.   You have accepted this time and season as part of God’s purpose and plan for your life. You know God has better things up ahead and will give you the strength to journey onward.

If you are unwilling to move because of smugness or self-satisfaction, maybe you are unaware and COMPLACENT. Do not settle or let circumstances overwhelm and control you. Do not ignore the signs God has given you or sit back and watch life happen to you.

If you are stuck on your journey today, maybe even standing at a crossroads, take some time on this to consider why you are there.

Contentment is not an easy path. Complacency is much simpler.

Complacency means settling because you are afraid, but contentment takes courage.

You have a choice today, dear friends: Will you wisely accept or foolishly settle?

Join me and other travelers as we learn to walk together down the road of contentment.

CONNECT FOR CONTENTMENT

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