Contentment – Equals Complacency? (Episode 3)

Hello All,

The part of the poem that we will be emphasising on today is highlighted in blue. The black colour text in the poem is a recap of what we have already done last week.

Let us now continue with the third episode of this poem…

Contentment – Equals Complacency? (Episode 3)

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (12^th December 2014)

Why are our hearts unsatisfied and not at rest?

What are they seeking in their neverending quests?

Where do they run to for fulfillment and meaning?

What are their unmet wants, desires and longings?

For the things we do not have, we yearn and desire

To procure and gain them at all costs, we aspire

Just when we thought we have secured them in our hands

They slip too easily through our fingers like sand

Our dreams are shattered with broken expectations

Disillusionment sets in with disappointments

Are we able to thank God in spite of failures?

Are we able to find joy in our Creator?

When was the last time we paused to count our blessings?

To rest by the meadow and delight in its springs?

Have we been too focused on our pursuit of dreams?

That we fail to notice the flowers by the stream?

Perhaps we have neglected the overflowing

Providence, loved ones, family, friends and blessings

That God has so graciously bestowed and given

Do we take the time to thank the God of heaven?

Some may too conveniently equate contentment

To one who seeks no progress and is complacent

This notion gives way to laziness - an excuse

The meaning of contentment is sorely abused

Contentment is not akin to complacency

She seeks to do her best with the abilities

And resources given by her God Almighty

She finds rest and thanks the Lord for His great mercy

TO BE CONTINUED...

Points for Reflection:

[32] For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them;

[33] but whoever listens to me [God] will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.”

(Proverbs 1:32-33 ESV)

·         No, contentment does not equal complacency.

·         Contentment means being thankful to God for situations or things that you cannot change after having done your best.

·         Complacency is turning a blind eye to the efforts required to improve yourself or your circumstances.

·         A person who listens to God and obeys His Word will give no way to complacency in every area of his life.

·         He will strive to live his life for God’s glory and the good of others.

·         Are you ever tempted to equate contentment with complacency?

·         In what areas of your life do you tend to be complacent with? Your duties at work? Your responsibilities to your family? Your friendship with others? Your accountability to the church? Your lack of enthusiasm in evangelism? Your quiet time of prayer and reading God’s Word? Your walk with God? Your love for Jesus Christ?