Contentment is one of the most important things in marriage. Discontentment can lead to dissatisfaction, depression, bitterness, affairs (emotional & physical) and divorce.
If you want to live the path of discontentment then head for a defacto relationship that embraces this idea of one person not being able to satisfy you your whole life… it holds to the “so long as we both are satisfied” vow, as opposed to “so long as we both shall live”.
Having said that, I don’t really recommend defacto relationships to anyone as discontentment is like a seed that infects, grows and spreads. It doesn’t leave you once you’ve got the next thing or relationship. It just poisons that as well.
This dark side of discontentment comes from covetousness. Covetousness is nothing more than the craving for what we don’t have, the craving for what someone else has that we don’t and the craving for circumstances that are different from our own. It is always shortsighted in the way it seeks to satisfy immediate desires and needs. The result is always an unthankful and ungrateful life.
In Exodus 20:17 it says not to covet anything belonging to a neighbour. It recognises the poison contained in coveting. Instead I should be like Paul who has learnt to be content “whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11-13) – not through my own strength, but through the provision of Jesus. So that even when I am i need, I will not worry about what I have. What more, 1 Timothy 6:6-10 encourages me that I should be content with the basic things I have.
A healthy marriage is filled with contentment, thankfulness and joy. Don’t let the seed of discontentment in!
I know that I am terrible at being content – especially in the realm of technology. I always want more or the next big thing... I know this can also seep into other areas too! So to help me progress along this path of thankfulness and contentment I’m going to be reading Jeremiah Burroughs – The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment (a 17th century puritan work) with Challies. I’d invite you to join in on the journey...
3 comments:
Hi Randle,
I can see where you're going in your post but you could fill it out a little more... but that also depends who you're trying to get to read it.
See you around,
Devan
Thanks Randle... I think discontentment could be a big one for me if I ever get married (unless I nip it in the bud).
I've always prided myself in being discontent, thinking that it was because I wanted things that God wanted (such as holier friendships, more peace in my life, etc), but I think it's had more to do with the flesh than I've been willing to admit. I know should want things that God wants, but it's dangerous when those wants center around my self (rather than God's glory). It's really damaging (to my soul and to others) when I can't see the abundant good God has already blessed me with; much more than he really needs to give this side of heaven.
*ahh*... contentment is very freeing :)
Devan - don't worry, there will be a contentment part 2,3,4,5,6,7...etc. I'm still figuring it out, thinking about it and don't want to post massive blog posts that people flag as a "read later" option ;)
Thanks for the reflections Jack:)
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