The middle ground

As I was getting ready for early morning ministers prayer today, I was talking to my wife about different aspects of revival and the ministry in general (exactly what she wants to talk about at 5:30 am). I made the statement that we get complacency and contentment confused sometimes. There is a big difference:
complacency-1. A feeling of self-satisfaction, especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy.
2. An instance of contented self-satisfaction.
contentment-1. The state of being contented; satisfaction.
2. A source of satisfaction

The key word in complacency is the word self-satisfaction. "I am satisfied with myself and what I have done. I have been made unaware because of this feeling." My firm belief is we do not need to grow complacent where we are satisfied to the point that we have arrived and are not on our spiritual toes. Complacency will lull us to sleep and let the enemy creep in unawares and destroy the work that has been done.

On the flip side of the equation is frustration. We can become frustrated that God is not moving enough. God is not using us how we think he should. We desire so much more, and though our desire can not be faulted, when it turns into frustration that can be harmful. Frustration can lead to discouragement, thus leading to a falling away because God must not be paying attention. Frustration can be just as detrimental as complacency.

There has to be some middle ground. I believe that ground is contentment. The definition does not mention self-satisfaction or not being aware. One of the definitions is a source of satisfaction. Contentment is seeing where God has you and saying "I don't want to stay here, so I will not be complacent. I don't want to stay here, but I will not be frustrated because I know God has his hand on me. I will be content with where God has put me, and be satisfied in the fact that I am in his will and this where I need to be working for him now."

We need to do all we can for God where we are and while we can. Complacency and frustration will pull away from our work. But if we can be content with where God has us, and make a difference there, then be sure that God will have more for you.

II Thes. 3:13 "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing."
Gal 6:9 "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not"

God Bless,
Brent