How To Balance Content And Discontent In The Christian Life

We need some of both.

Podcast (listen-to-this-article-here): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 9:41 — 17.7MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Recently I woke up feeling discontent. It didn’t take me long to figure out why. Interestingly, last week my good friend and DJJ Board member Steve Foster recommended a book titled The Magic of Thinking Big. It’s a classic about how so many people are content with small things because they don’t think big. A great message, but the problem is it can have some unintended consequences, at least for people like me.

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

I started reading the book not long before I went to bed. Consequently, I’m sure that the book and its theme was the root of my discontent:

• Have I settled for less than the best?

• Could I have done more if I’d just have thought bigger?

• What can I do to shift my thinking to create bigger outcomes?

• I’d better hurry up and get going or I’ll miss the bus!

So, after wakening with discontent, all this got me to thinking about what the Bible says: Is thinking big God honoring? Can discontent be godly, or does God want us to be perpetually content, no matter what?

Here’s my answer to these questions:

1. Discontent is godly when…

…we want to see God’s Kingdom expand and all people to hear the Gospel.

2,000 years after Jesus, there are still over 2 billion who have never heard the Gospel message of Jesus. Should we be satisfied? Emphatically no! It should bother us enough that we work to fulfill the Great Commission.

…we’re discontent with mediocrity in serving God or our employer.

As Christians, no matter if we’re serving God or an employer, we are duty-bound to do our best. If we work for money or as a volunteer, we should do our best, knowing that no matter what, we are serving the Lord.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24 ESV) 

…we’re being lazy.

God doesn’t approve of laziness. In fact, we should be discontent if lazy, as seen in this verse:

“A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” (Proverbs 13:4 NIV)

2. Discontent is ungodly when…

Our discontent can certainly be ungodly.

The Apostle Paul penned some of my favorite words of Scripture when he wrote,

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11b-13 NLT)

How do we know when discontent is ungodly? Let me suggest that happens when…

…we can’t be thankful for what we have

Scripture instructs, “In everything give thanks.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

If we cannot find reasons to be thankful in every situation, then we need to readjust our attitude. Note, this doesn’t mean to be thankful FOR every situation, but IN every situation.

…we can’t rest.

God created the Sabbath, instructing and requiring that His people observe the Sabbath and rest. It was not optional. It was one of the 10 Commandments:

“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.” (Exodus 20:8-11 NLT)

If we are so driven we never rest, we need to rethink our level of drivenness.

…we expect others to be perfect and aren’t content if they’re not.

This can certainly get us into trouble.

“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)

…we are discontented about things we (and perhaps others) cannot change.

If we and no one else can change circumstances, it’s best to be content, rather than stewing or seething about something that cannot change.

3. What to do When Discontent Gets Out of Hand

There is no doubt that discontent can be ungodly. So what can we do if our discontentment gets out of hand?

Here’s what I plan to do:

Start counting your blessings.

It’s hard to complain when you’re being thankful. The old hymn Count Your Blessings said it so well: When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done. Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God has done! Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your many blessings, see what God has done.

Help those who have so much less.

Part of the problem with discontent is that the focus is on ourselves. Instead of focusing on “woe is me” it helps immensely to consider the problems of others, and do what we can to help them.

Helen Keller was born deaf and blind. Yet she learned to focus on others and is quoted as saying, “I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.”

Talk with a friend or your spouse.

For balance, it is so helpful to talk with someone who can give perspective.

In my case, I have a great, godly, wife who has a lot of common sense:

• When I feel like a failure, she reminds me of my successes.

• When I feel haughty, she lets me know I might not be the hotshot I think I am.

• Back off on the motivation stuff.

I think I’ll read The Magic of Thinking Big when I need a new shot of motivation, but not as a steady daily diet. Why? I don’t think my personal system can handle it.

What helps you balance content and discontent? Your thoughts are welcome! Please leave your comment below.

“I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet.”—Helen Keller | CLICK TO TWEET

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Five Simple Steps Steps to Conquer Complaining and Find Happiness

• How to be Joyful When You Are Really Suffering

• 5 Smart ways to Resist Revenge and Enjoy Peace Today

• 4 Ways to Find Contentment Now

• How to Renew Your Mind and Think More Positively

• 5 Ways to Deal with Regret and Move On Today

• Facing Death Fearlessly4 Reasons Christians Shouldn’t Worry About Election Results

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

3 Wonderful Ways To Read The Bible

2 Helpful and 1 Remarkable.

Podcast (listen-to-this-article-here): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 8:53 — 16.3MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Android | RSS

Do you read the Bible regularly? According to a study done in 2014 by Pew Research, in the USA 35% of Americans say they read the Bible at least once a week. 45% seldom or never read it.

For me, reading the Bible is essential as a daily practice of my Christian life. How can I not read it since it is the primary way that God reveals Himself to us?

But it is not enough to simply read the Bible. We must read it in the right way. And in the end, there are a couple of helpful ways to read the Bible, but only one remarkable and appropriate way to read it.

Here are 3 wonderful ways to read the Bible, 2 of them helpful and 1 of them absolutely remarkable:

1. Reading for Information

Knowing the stories, references and teachings of the Bible is vital to a proper education. The Washington Times reported:

Almost without exception, English professors, we surveyed at major American colleges and universities see knowledge of the Bible as a deeply important part of a good education. The virtual unanimity and depth of their responses on this question are striking. The Bible is not only a sacred scripture to millions of Americans, it is also arguably (as one Northwestern professor stated), the “most influential text of all of Western culture.”

This is because Western art, culture and literature is steeped in biblical references. To understand them it is important to understand the information in the Bible.

So, reading the Bible to understand its teaching, history, and stories, is crucial.

But to read the Bible only for information, while important, is inadequate. Indeed, the Bible and Christianity have shaped the world. But that is because they have shaped individuals. If we read only for information, we have missed the full impact of the Bible to change our lives.

2. Reading for Inspiration

Many people love to read the Bible for its inspiration. I’m one of them. I’m deeply inspired by passages such as the 23rd Psalm with all its encouragement, such as this:

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 KJV)

Every day I remember other inspiring passages such as the words of Paul,

“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 WEB)

Anyone who is not drawing inspiration from the Bible is missing a tremendous resource. Captain James E. Ray of the US Air Force learned this during 6 years as a POW in Vietnam. In his memoir titled The Secret of Our Survival: A Former Vietnam POW’s Story of Faith, he recounts how one day a prisoner in the next cell asked if he knew the 23rd Psalm:

I began whispering it. He’d repeat each line after me. A little later he whispered the entire Psalm back to me…Other prisoners joined in, sharing verses they knew. Through these contacts a fellowship grew among us. I didn’t feel so alone any more…[O]ur common denominators were the Bible and Jesus Christ, and we were able to share and write down a great deal of Scripture. For by now it had become vital to our daily existence. Often racked with dysentery, weakened by the diet of rice and thin cabbage and pumpkin soup, our physical bodies had shrunk within the prison walls. We spent 20 hours a day locked in our cells. And those Bible verses became rays of light, constant assurances of His Love and care.[1]

Indeed, the Bible can become a superb source of comfort and assurance. Those who don’t find its inspiration have lost out on a wonderful resource.

However, if we read only for inspiration, we have missed the full impact of the Bible.

3. Reading for Transformation

The best way to read the Bible is not just for information or inspiration. It is for transformation. This is where it is most powerful:

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)

God didn’t give us the Bible just for information and inspiration. He wants to transform our lives through it. If you haven’t been transformed thoroughly by Scripture, don’t miss out on this incredibly life-shaping resource.

Perhaps you’re tried reading the Bible, but haven’t found it transforming yet. I understand. I’ve struggled sometimes with the same problem. And I have two suggestions:

Read the easier to apply passages first.

Parts of the Bible are written more for historical record than transformation. They’re still God’s Word, but not as applicable to everyday life today. So, read them later, but start with easy-to-apply books of the Bible such as: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1 John the Psalms, and Proverbs.

Read for one thought.

This way of Bible reading starts with a prayer that God, through His Holy Spirit, will provide one thought of transformation for your life. After praying, read the Bible until you find the “one thought” that God wants to transform your life from your Bible reading today. You might need to read as much as a chapter or two, or as little as one verse. Then pray again and throughout the day, asking God to help you apply that one thought to transform your life starting today.

God wants to transform your life through His Word. As you cooperate with Him, He will do it!

One caveat: If you’re not yet a follower of Christ, that’s the place to begin. You can learn how to become a Christian HERE.

CONCLUSION:

We are about to release the first quarter of Discipleship Journeys with Jesus (DJJ) Bible studies. They’re designed to help you let the Bible truly transform your life.

Please go to our website HERE to learn about DJJ. Subscribe to our updates to keep in touch with developments of our materials for spiritual growth by clicking HERE.

What do you think? Are these good reasons to have a strategy for spiritual growth? Are there other reasons why you need a strategy for spiritual growth?

Your thoughts are welcome! Please leave your comment below.

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• 4 Reasons You Can Love and Trust the Bible Today

• How Digging in the Dirt Proves the Bible is Reliable

• 3 Contradictions of ScriptureHave You Written Your Own Bible?

• Beware of Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing

• Podcast: How do we know we have the right books in the Bible?

• Podcast: Why do some Bible versions omit certain verses?

• Video vlog: Twisting Scripture

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth

[1] https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/making-it-a-part-of-you-bible-memorization-and-meditation-guy-caley-sermon-on-bible-study-90936#

If You Are A Christian, You Are Not A Citizen Of This World Trying To Get To Heaven,…

…you are a citizen of heaven making your way through this world.

Did you know that if you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world, but instead you are a citizen of heaven? The Bible clearly tells us that we are not of this world and that are citizenship is in heaven. This should be wonderfully encouraging to us as believers.

This is a guest post by Beth Harris. She is a wife, mother, Bible study leader and volunteer editor for markalanwilliams.net.

I was born in the United States and therefore, I have the rights, privileges and responsibilities that go with being a citizen of this country. My paternal grandparents on the other hand were born in Northern Italy and immigrated to the United States in the early 1900’s.

Once here they became citizens and received all the rights that a US citizen enjoys. They were able to vote, protected from deportation and guaranteed rights under the constitution. But, they also had to accept certain responsibilities and make sacrifices. They swore to uphold and obey the law. They renounced their birth country and pledged allegiance to their new country.

We are all born a citizen of this world. But, if you have become a Christian by faith in Jesus Christ, then you have been born again, (See John 3:1-21) and your citizenship has changed. 

The Bible confirms that as a Christian you are not a citizen of this world.

Jesus said in John 17:16, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.” (NIV)

Hebrews 13:14 says, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (NLT)

1 Peter 2:11 says, “Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul.” (MSG)

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we become members of His kingdom. We surrender our lives to His Lordship and rule.

Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven.” (NIV)

The Christian is a citizen of heaven. Even though we are in the world and deal with temptation, suffering and trials, we are not to live and respond as the world does. 

We renounce the ways of the world and pledge our loyalty to Jesus and His Kingdom.

As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we receive privileges and accept responsibilities that come with our citizenship. In return, we have our King’s protection, favor and eternal life through Jesus Christ.

If you haven’t already, you can accept Jesus Christ and become a citizen of heaven. If you do, then you can face eternity with confidence.

The Bible tells us that there is no place like heaven.

Revelation 21:4 says, He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (ESV)

There will be no more suffering, death or pain in heaven.

We can enjoy being a citizen of heaven now and look forward to going there one day.

Jesus said in John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (ESV)

There is sufficient room in the Father’s house and Jesus left to prepare a place for us.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ and are you a citizen of heaven?

Your thoughts are welcome! You can leave a comment below. Do you like the fact that you are not a citizen of this world? How does it feel to be a citizen of heaven? 

Help Spread the Word! If you found this article helpful, we’d love for you to share it with others on social media or otherwise. This will help get the Word in front of more people who need biblical guidance. Thanks for your help!

“If you are a Christian, you are not a citizen of this world trying to get to heaven, you are a citizen of heaven trying to make your way through this world.” | CLICK TO TWEET

Additional resources about related subjects on this site:

• Hungry for Heaven

• How Moving is Like Going to Heaven

• Six Reasons all Roads DON’T Lead to Heaven

• Five Questions for Those Who Think Many Roads Lead to Heaven

• How to Prepare for Eternity Now and Face Death with Confidence Later

NOTE: Facebook is random. Email is reliable. Subscribe via email and you won’t miss any of my articles, podcasts or videos. You’ll also get my eBook: 10 Prayers to Unlock Heaven on Earth