Why are so many Christians busy serving in the church yet unhappy, unsatisfied, and not talking or acting like Jesus? Do we ever read about Jesus hurrying, running, or overdoing himself to try and please God or people? How did following Jesus become a list of works void of his love, respect, kindness, words, and actions?
What is Contentment?
Contentment is defined as satisfied, full, happy, and peaceful.
Some contentment synonyms are unhappy, unsatisfied, depressed, needy, wanting, anxious, and discontent.
One of the biggest challenges we face in our imperfect human condition is not knowing God’s love and heart through a personal relationship by studying his word. Many Christians grow up never reading the Bible or learning how to study it. They go to church and listen to everyone’s interpretation, unaware they may be misled. They are asked and told to serve at every opportunity regardless of their skill sets or responsibilities. These requests or demands are not Biblical.
God designed each of us with unique skills and missions for our life. He desires more than anything to have a growing, personal relationship with each of us all day long. He reveals our path as we dwell with him and partner with Jesus. When Christ’s disciples become more focused on doing works versus growing our relationship with Jesus, we miss the whole point of his sacrifice, the relationship.
God’s Calling Versus the World’s Messages
We can mistakenly think that our faith follows the message of the world when we don’t know God’s truth. The world tells us to be and do more and that we can make anything happen if we put our minds to it. These messages create a hamster wheel of continual striving while deleting any focus on our loving Father, God, and our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus never ran, hurried, or strived to get a list done so his Father, God, would be pleased with him or love him. Jesus spent time with his Father and followed his instructions. Christ’s primary goal was to make sure he was in the Father’s will concerning his thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus lived a balanced life. There were times he took care of his mom, went to meals and weddings, and did miracles and teaching.
Whenever I get overwhelmed thinking, “I have to” get a ton of things done, I know I’m not in God’s will. God doesn’t call us to go one-hundred miles an hour or to get burned out, even serving him. Jesus desires and instructs us to walk with him, one step at a time.
In Luke, Chapter 10:38-42, NLT, there is a story of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus comes for a visit, and this is what happens.
Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord's feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, "Lord, doesn't it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me."
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her."
Striving is the Enemy of Faith
Many Christians believe that as long as they are doing all they can for God, they please him. However, striving is the enemy of faith because an overload of work turns us self-focused. Our motive to do is not focused on being in our relationship with Jesus or God. Our motive around work can turn into our desires or goals to please God or others or earn God’s approval and love. Our focus is on us instead of dwelling with Jesus and walking at his pace and on his path.
Disciples of Christ cannot avoid this world’s challenges, hardships, responsibilities, and realities. However, we have the wisdom, compassion, love, joy, and peace of Jesus living inside us. We are privileged to be able to come to Jesus all day long and seek his direction. We do not need to strive for love, salvation, grace, approval, sanctification, or eternal life.
If you feel overwhelmed, overloaded, and discontent, take time alone with God. Ask him to help you list your skills and reveal what he has shown you to do. Next, ask God what you have placed on yourself that he never asked you to do. These questions and this time with God can help you sit at the feet of Jesus and find true peace and contentment as you walk with him.
True Contentment Only Comes with Jesus
Dwelling with Jesus in a growing personal relationship every day can supersede the difficult circumstances and painful emotions we encounter. Jesus wants us to walk with him, not hurry, run, or overload our lives. We may experience events, times, or seasons of business, but this is not God’s daily will for us.
If we get over busy and lose our peace, we must ask ourselves about our motive, heart, and consequences. The apostle Paul lived through the best and worst times in his life. He tells us how we can learn to be content with Christ. Contentment is a choice and practice.
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Phil. 4:11-13, NIV)
Our challenging lives on earth are not our perfect heavenly eternity. Just like Jesus, we are instructed to lead others to Christ’s salvation, whether the road is easy or hard. No one can steal your contentment in Christ, for that space is in the depth of your heart and soul where Jesus lives. Stay loyal to Christ, and you will dwell in supernatural contentment.
