Holy Discontent
Discontent is essential for change. It is easy to misread discontent as an irritation, and discontent can be simply an irritation but the two shouldn't be confused. I have always been discontent with the church. It has been both an irritation and a catalyst. There must be a discontent with the current state of things.
Moses needed to be stirred with discontent for Israel.
Joshua was full of discontent for the lack of movement into the promised land.
Abraham was discontent with his fairly blessed pre-Yahweh life.
Isaiah became tremendously discontent after God appeared to Him and showed what could be, what should be, and then God verified with a call, "Who will go for us?"
Discontent can be a selfish thing. Discontent can be used as a weapon. It should be used for neither. But discontent will make content people unhappy. It is playing with fire. You hope for a controlled explosion which moves you in the direction of the will of God. But you may find yourself in devasation, burned beyond recognition.
Labels: Change
posted by Brian at 9:59 AM
2 Comments:
Interesting observation, Pastor Brian. Could you share your thoughts on how one distinguishes between "holy discontent" and a disatisfaction that arises from not wanting to do God's will.
There is currently a situation in my life that poses this dilemma. I'm not sure if I should stay in it despite my discontent, or move on. It's not a major life decision, nor are there any moral/ethical implications in my estimation.
But I do want to do God's will. I'm just not sure how to tell what that is???
Thanks for any guidance you can provide.
Peace,
Felicia Swavely
Felicia,
Dissatisfaction with God's will is the opposite of Holy Discontent. I suppose it might matter how you discern God's will.
Job was dissatisfied, Moses was dissatisfied, Jonah was dissatisfied. This is sin; sin that we are all prone to.
Isaiah was discontent with Israel. Daniel was discontent with Babylon. Paul was discontent. Jesus was discontent. Discontent led to healthy reform.
If you want to contact me privately, you are welcome.
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