Be Content, Not Complacent
Although I tend to be more of an internal processor, I can’t deny the benefits of direct questions and good conversation. Just recently, in fact, I was talking to a teammate about my experience on mission thus far and it got me thinking. As I reflected on her questions I realized just how much has changed since the start of the year.
It brought to mind an old phrase that I used to meditate on, but had honestly forgotten in recent months; “be content, not complacent.” In the early stages of my faith journey, I strung together this phrase as a means of motivation in times of spiritual drought. I am by no means claiming to be the first to quote this because I honestly can’t be sure that I am, but I can share what it signifies to me.
To be content is to be “in a state of peaceful happiness” according to its definition. This means that we are able to look at our lives and be at ease with where we are and what we’ve achieved. We are able to find joy in the process without getting caught up in the destination, so to speak.
Complacency, on the other hand, is a refusal to continue growing. It adds a layer of pride to contentment and argues that there is no need for growth because of a false sense of perfection. I’ve also found that complacency can mask itself behind this pride if there is fear that the journey ahead is too long.
While these two things can easily be confused, there must be that distinction. It is one thing for me to find happiness in my current situation and another entirely for me to let that be the end of my journey. We must be content with where we are and what we’ve achieved, but not to the point where we no longer desire to learn and grow. I find this to be especially true when it comes to relationships; both with those around us and with God.
With friendships, there can be this desire for more. We want to know someone better or be closer to that person. This desire in and of itself is good.
The issue lies in failing to be content with that relationship. These things take time and effort, yet we can get so caught up on what we expect the relationship to look like that we either wallow in frustration or give in to complacency because it seems unattainable.
The same also applies to dating relationships. In both situations, however, we should never stop pursuing the other; just don’t rush it. Enjoy the time necessary to truly get to know someone.
We should never grow complacent in our relationship with God either. There is no end to what we can learn from Him! In fact, my mom used to tell me that the more I thought I knew about God, the less I actually did.
Throughout the years I have found that to be true. And if I’m being honest, at times that was tough for me to comprehend. I wanted perfection, and that was obviously not the point, but it led me to a point of complacency because my intentions were skewed.
In those moments, I was also tempted to compare myself to others. “I’m not as knowledgeable as him.” “She is so much holier than me.” “Why can’t I be like them?” The answer was simple; I was complacent.
So, my brothers and sisters, I want to encourage you all to be content with your process. Look at how far you you’ve come! Yes, you may not be where you’d like to be, but you should find joy in where you are nonetheless.
So how can we strive to be content instead of complacent?
- Stop with the comparison!
- Set reasonable goals.
- Pray for a spirit of gratitude.
I have the utmost faith you! Keep pushing forward and don’t beat yourself down along the way!
