From the Home Place

November 25, 25

If anyone is short on wind and cold we sure enough could send you some.

In Philippians 4:11 the Apostle Paul tells us, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” As I have mentioned before a survey conducted by Barna Research revealed that 94% of pastors stated that the number one problem within their congregation is the issue of complacency.

It appears to me that the difference between the contentment that Paul spoke of, and the complacency that Barna reports about is this: Contentment is being satisfied with what God has given me. While Complacency is being satisfied with what I have given God. Most often there is a world of difference between these two circumstances.

The photo of the little man below seems to represent contentment quite well. It would appear that this little feller is completely content with the horse God has given him today. However, within five years, he will no longer be content to ride the mini, though he may still love his short-legged steed. For you see right now, the little horse and the little rider are a great match. I’m betting that in their minds, they are both as big and as capable as all of the sixteen-hand horses and adults around them, it’s a matter of perspective.

When a person comes to Jesus for salvation, at that moment said person is content with what God has given them, salvation! However, as that person grows in their faith they will now have to decide to just stay where they started, or to make needed changes and to learn to use the spiritual gifts the Lord has given them. If this person says, “No, I can’t do that,” then they have become complacent. If this person says, “Yes, Lord, however I can serve you, I am willing and glad to do so,” then they are learning contentment.

Just like our little cowboy in the picture below, his first horse was the love of his life for a season. Yet, I’m betting that this little guy grew and went on to ride other horses he loved as well. You see my friend, when we first come to Jesus, we are content just to know Him. However, I strongly feel that Jesus has no intention of allowing us to stay at that point. In 2 Peter 3:18 we are challenged, “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

God’s word expects us, even commands us, to never become complacent in our walk with Him, yet to always be content with what He gives us along the way. We all have different gifts to be used in a variety of ways. The use of said gifts and abilities brings joy to our Savior and a blessing to those around us. But we are to constantly be growing “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

Friends, please, never allow complacency to disguise itself as contentment. Keep growing, keep going, for His glory and for the good of others. Always learning, always changing, becoming more graceful with every stage of your spiritual journey. The problem too many Christians “keep growing in knowledge,” but we seldom grow in “grace.” You see, grace is the proper application of “knowledge.” When the knowledge doesn’t result in growth, we now have complacency . The key to learning contentment in our spiritual journey is the first two words of this verse, “Keep growing!”

Perhaps think of it this way: Back in 1972 when Miss Deb and I were married, I loved her. After 53 plus years of getting to know her better each year, I love her in a much richer way that I could ever thought possible back in ’72.

Remember, Keep Growing; Keep Glowing; Geep Going for His Glory! Always content, never complacent.

Growing in knowledge and grace with you, Neal