Have you ever had those times when you were “satisfied”? I’m not speaking about “being content” as Paul talks about in Phil. 4:11-12.
In my mind this morning is the thought that there is a difference between being satisfied and being content. I’m not sure how well I can explain it, but let me try.
“Being content” is an attitude of the heart, a settledness with situations, circumstances, and the nuances of life. A resting in the soft arms of a Mighty God who give us all things. I see this in followers of Jesus who may not have much of what the world considers a “must have,” and yet there is a quiet contentedness that invades the spirit and exudes to others.
I hope that explains that.
Meanwhile, “being satisfied” has another flavor. I see that as meaning something different (at least in my other mind) in the sense of “all is good and going well.” For example, you realize one morning that all has been going well and smooth-job, home, relationships, health-and you rest, not in the strong arms of a Mighty God, but in your “peaceful” situation. Maybe not as drastic as the man Jesus talked about of “Eat, drink, and be merry” fame, but there is an uneasy sense of calm.
Why do I say this? I was thinking this morning how easy it is to get lulled into a lack of alertness, into complacency. We let our guard down. At this point, we become fodder-a target- for the enemy. There is a big zero on our forehead and centered in our heart. Are we not warned of this in I Peter 5:8? He writes, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (NASB2020)
Simply put: being unaware, being “relaxed,” places us in great danger of the enemy. It puts us directly in his sights. Once we let our guard down we are fair game.
It is okay to be content. Be careful of being satisfied.
Great distinction… The interesting thing is that it may not be obvious at first. Satisfaction I think is largely determined by circumstance while Contentment is, as you stated, a condition of the heart.
Being alert is required in both conditions. Though, I suspect those who are “satisfied” may find themselves more vulnerable to the impact of the attack vs those who are content.
I can see how your point can be true Ryan. There can almost develop a sense of ease in both, but as you state it may be more dangerous in the satisfied one. Thanks again for the good insight.
There certainly is a distinction, Bill, and you’ve pointed that out quite nicely here. I’ll be careful to make sure I’m content, not simply satisfied.
Blessings!
I’m glad to hear that Martha. The other way is way too dangerous.