Content Not Complacent

When I was a teenager, I got asked several questions that went something like "So are you going to college" or "Where are you going to college"? I received this question multiple times, and potentially to the surprise of the person asking, my answer is that I wasn't. College wasn't in the plans for my life. Since I was younger, I knew that God's plan for my life was to be in ministry and work at my home church.

In the culture that we live in, we're always taught to be looking to the next thing in life. Life is, in a way, planned out. You graduate high school, go to college, get married, have kids and that's how it's "supposed to be". That's great and all, but for some people, that's not what it looks like. For myself, life looked and still looks a lot different than most people my age.

When life looks different than others, it's easy to become discontent with life. Living in a constant space of dissatisfaction, while watching other people live a life that looks "more desirable". This is one of the most dangerous mindsets we can live in. The only true contentment comes from Jesus and true a relationship with Him. Philippians 4:11-13 says:

"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."

Now, GET THIS! The apostle Paul wrote this while in Prison! He declared this word of contentment while in a terrible place. The bottom line is we have to train ourselves, through Jesus, to be content in every circumstance. However, it's important that we don't mistake contentment with complacency or "satisfaction".

While I believe we are supposed to live in contentment and thrive where we're at in life, I fully believe that God has more for each one of us. We need to remember to always believe that there is more for our lives. God is always at work and is always wanting to do a new work in us.

You may have a good job now, but God has great. You may have good friends now, but God has great. God's will for your life isn't "good". God's will for your life is "great"- He's called us to live a GREAT LIFE, not a good life. John 10:10 says:

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

With this post, I hope you leave with two main thoughts. Remember to always embrace the season of life you're in. In every season, there is knowledge to gain and something to learn. However, the second thing is, to always be believing God for more.

GOD has called you to a GREAT life, not a good life!