Our culture is diametrically opposed to the idea of contentment. Advertising pounds us relentlessly with the promise of obtaining more. The American Dream is to acquire a more financial success and personal possessions. We want to have the latest and greatest stuff and always more of it. We make significant sacrifices in the pursuit of things. Family, relationships and personal peace are laid on the altar of discontent.
Complacency comes with its own set of problems. As opposed to not having enough, complacency settles for less than our best when it comes to character development. Complacency keeps us from growing in godliness, honesty, faithfulness, love, and a host of other positive character traits. It gets us to believe that we are good enough and we should stop trying to become better.
While both words have negative connotations, God desires that we become content but never complacent. I Timothy 6:6-8 says, “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” It is good to be content that our basic needs are met. It is not good to be complacent with our character development. We must always strive toward godliness.
Reluctant Retiree 