Barbara Hughes believes that when a woman voices her discontent she is usually desiring change in one of four areas (or all four!).
Reputation–desire other people to think that they are beautiful, intelligent, and successful.
Marital status–desire to be married, desire to be married to someone else, desire to change something about their husbands.
Money–desire for more, desire for husband to spend more or less, desire for children to have more. (I have never spoken to anyone who wanted less money.)
Children–wish they had some, with they could change the ones they have, wish they could control children’s decisions or circumstances surrounding children. (Disciplines of a Godly Woman, p. 80)
I don’t disagree with any of these categories. I’ve battled discontent in all of these. However, I might add one. What about discontent with myself? What about the desire for growth in godliness to happen faster? What about a discontent with mediocre Christianity? Is there a good kind of discontent? OR is discontent, in any form, inherently wrong because it demonstrates a lack of faith in God’s provision?
I think even discontent with one’s growth toward Christ-likeness may be sinful because God promises to bring to completion the work He begins. Otherwise, I may turn to trying to do works rather than faith in God to complete His work. Still, Paul encourages believers to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” (1 Tim. 6:11) I am to pursue it with faith that God’s grace is sufficient and anything good in me comes from His work. I have many more thoughts on this one, but I must tear myself away from this screen. More tomorrow!
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Leslie Wiggins 
2 responses to “Godliness and Contentment”
I think so much of being content begins with our thoughts. Renewing our thinking is renewing our mind and scripture says that doing so can transform us: “Do not be conformed any longer to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2) I love reading your thoughts on this. I think this is such an important thing to learn to renew our thought life, remember who is the source of our strength, and rest in God’s sovereignty, so we can truly learn to be content.Wendy
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Hmm, This is an intersting question. And I am surprised to find that I am not the only one who has struggled with answering it.I don’t know either… how much pursuit is too much? is there a right way to pursue righteousness? Is there a wrong way? What if the difference is in how we rely on Christ, if we are pursuing our own growth, at a time of rest, perhaps getting out of step with Christ’s plan for our growth… is that what is wrong? Is that what causes discontentment?I will be back to read more on this topic!A first time guest, Mrs. Meg Logan
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