Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

Discontent

By Dr. Richard P. Bucher

"Discontent." Speak this word, especially among men, and the likely result will be knowing looks and assenting nods. Discontent is a word many men understand, and yes, also Christian men. It shows up as an overwhelming and all pervasive feeling of restlessness and frustration that stems from a profound disappointment with life (especially professional life) as it is. The one stricken with it often feels trapped, feels that life is passing him by, or that the life that he has lived until now has been largely meaningless and/or unproductive. Discontent cries out, "It wasn't supposed to be like this! This is not where I was supposed to be at this stage of my life." Discontent always wants more. In severe cases it builds to critical mass and moves the discontented one to radical change, change that is often reckless and damaging. Some cast families and long held jobs to the wind in pursuit of something that will content. If saying that discontent is an epidemic is overstated, calling it a huge problem is not. But is all discontent a problem? No. Biblically speaking there is what we might call ungodly discontent and godly discontent.

There is ungodly discontent, the sinful variety. Much, if not most, of our discontent comes from our fallen, sinful natures that are never satisfied and always want MORE. It led to Adam and Eve's downfall. Cain followed suit. It was because of discontent that God gave the Ninth and Tenth Commandments. Coveting what belongs to our neighbor would not be a problem if we were content with what we have. Seen in this light, coveting (like complaining) is the symptom of the real problem, discontent. There are even clearer statements about ungodly discontent in the Scriptures. John the Baptist told the soldiers who had asked him what they should do, "be content with your pay" (Luke 3:34). Paul tells Timothy that, "But godliness with contentment is great gain . . . But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:6,8-9). And Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"

These passages remind us of several truths about ungodly discontent. First, discontent is an offense and affront to God because at its core it is a scorning of His goodness. It says, "You are NOT good, God. You have given me a little, but I deserve more, much more." Second, discontent is harmful and dangerous. The discontented person is a person turned inward, a person absorbed with self. And it is this loveless, self-centered life that "plunges men into ruin and destruction." Also, as mentioned above, radical changes based upon severe discontent can have disastrous results. Third, and finally, discontent is a part of our fallen nature. Therefore until the day we die we must fight against it through confession of sin and absolution. But in this fight we are not alone as St. Paul reminds us:

for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).

Ultimately, it is only through the power of Jesus Christ that we can slay the beast of discontent.

But not all discontent is bad. There is also godly discontent. There are times when Christians should not be content. Godly discontent means refusing to be content with something evil. It is the opposite of apathy and complacency. It is a good thing when Christians refuse to be content with a rampant evil in society, like abortion. It is a good thing when Christians refuse to be content with a spirit of laziness, status quo, or false doctrine in their congregation. It is a good thing when Christians refuse to be content with division or ungodliness in their family. It is a good thing when Christians refuse to be content with spiritual immaturity in their personal lives. When listened to and acted upon such godly discontent can lead to repentance, to action, to improvement, to the righting of wrongs. It can lead to reformation: in church, society, family, and individual lives.

In these sinful and perilous times in which we live, may our heavenly Father, through Him who strengthens us, keep us from the ruinous ways of ungodly discontent. But may He also stir up within us the reforming ways of godly discontent. In Jesus' name. Amen.

February 1999