The title of today's Flat Tire Thought provides two words that we need to make sure aren't confused as being one in the same. The two words need a clear distinction in our understanding of their meaning, but also an understanding of how the two words play out in our actions and interactions. To provide context to our time together today, let's look at the definition of each and then we may be better able to discern how we apply the two concepts in our daily lives.
Complacent - adjective, pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger
Content- noun, a state of satisfaction
Equipped with the definition of the two words it is obvious that they have similarities, yet the subtle differences in the two make for a worthy conversation and warning to take heed for us today.
Being complacent as the definition points out has a certain degree of danger to it. We can actually go from a state of contentment to a place of complacency. The problem with being complacent is when we become too comfortable with our surroundings, we almost take on a sense of laziness. Another issue with complacency is that things have to be going in our direction for us to settle in on being complacent. As the definition explains, "without awareness of some potential danger". Many times, the fall comes after the situation is cast into play. Kind of like Jesus's warning that the man would have been prepared if he had known what hour the thief was coming that night. (Matthew 24:43) At the end of the day, being complacent in life is just one step away from a bad fall.
In comparison, being content is all about being able to comprehend that God is in control, God has a plan, and at any given moment God's plan is being played out in your life. The Apostle Paul was not a complacent person. In Philippians 4:11-12, while imprisoned in Rome, Paul explained to the church in Philippa that he had discovered the key to contentment. "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." This was not complacency. Paul stated that he had learned what the secret sauce was to be content in the circumstances you are currently residing regardless of how good or how not so good things are going.
To the complacent person, as long as life is good at the moment, that person is at peace. To the point that if things were to turn bad it might be the front end of a disaster. For the content person, as long as we are cognate that our contentedness isn't a product of something we do on our own, but instead we adopt the philosophy of Paul in the verse following his declaration of being content in all situations, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. Key point to remember, not on our own, but through Christ. As we prepare to start a new week, let us be filled with the spirit of being content, but far removed from a sense of complacent bliss. If we are willing, He is able!
Coach Carter
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