One Word 2014: BLESSING

Content \kən-ˈtent\: “Pleased and satisfied. Not needing more”; “A state of satisfaction”; “In a state of peaceful happiness”.

Complacent \kəm-ˈplā-sənt\: “Satisfied with how things are and not wanting to change them”; “marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies”.

I was with a group of Christians the other day and I couldn’t help but notice, or at least interpret that Christians seem to be uncomfortable with the experience of being content. I wondered if this had to do with a possible misunderstanding of the difference between content and complacency. I kept hearing these words and phrases being tossed around, “God’s calling”, “God’s will”, “Where God leads me”, “I don’t know what to do, it’s up to God.” When I hear these statements used in circumstances where people really should be able to articulate their wants, needs and desires, I see this as decision making avoidance. It can become a default habit of “leaving it up to God” when we don’t want to take action and make a decision.

Don’t get me wrong, I strongly believe that our own personal plans need to take a back seat to God’s will and His plans, but I think this is only necessary once He reveals this to you. I wish nothing more than for Christians to embrace the idea and reality that God is not insulted or angry when we are happy, at peace, and content. I have a dream career goal that involves fulfilling my passions and using the skills and employment experience that I’ve gained over the past two decades. At this time in my life I am content with my decision to pursue this career. I see no reason to sit around with spiritual paralysis while dumping my decision making responsibilities onto God.

If I can encourage those of you who have a career that you like and enjoy; don’t feel like you need to stir things up and start looking elsewhere. Why feel guilty for having a fulfilling and rewarding job. Career contentment is a blessing. I remember the “cafeteria lady” at my college, she was a constantly happy woman. She brought smiles and laughter to a variety of students. She served us with care. When you allow yourself to embrace the happiness and peace that comes along with liking your job, it creates a wonderful disposition. The workplace is one of the major causes of depression in North America, so I say, if you like your job, don’t hesitate to give God praise and enjoy the peace of contentment. You can worry about the spiritual nudge to move into another job or career when the Holy Spirit comes calling.

This attachment link is a prayer for the those in the workplace (I personally think it’s also applicable to homemakers and the retired) http://work4christ.wordpress.com/2013/05/30/a-prayer-for-the-workplace/

For those who feel a call to move on to a different job or career, here is a link to a prayer for you as well http://blessthework.com/prayers-for-your-career.html

Question:

Do you give God praise for your career/job? Are you retired, have you given God thanks and praise for the jobs/careers that provided for yourself and your family?

Are you in the habit of avoiding decision making and planning by “leaving it up to God”?

Application:

In your head, on paper, in your journal, where ever you would like; list 5 things about your job/career/retirement/homemaker duties that you want to give a Blessing (praise) to God for.