Content or Discontent?

Week 5 in the NFL provided plenty of drama and wild finishes. The Ravens pulled off an overtime win over the Falcons, the Jaguars won against the Eagles with a kick as time expired, and the Giants-Commanders game ended in a tie.

As front offices and fan bases evaluate how their team is doing at this point in the NFL season, they get a sense of their franchise's state. Simply put, they’re either content or discontent, depending on where they are and where they're headed. 

Content means "in a state of peaceful happiness or a state of satisfaction." 

Discontent means "a lack of contentment or dissatisfaction with one's circumstances or a lack of satisfaction with one's possessions, status, or situation."

Using these two differing terms, let's guess how teams feel right now.

First off, any team with a franchise cornerstone at quarterback and a strong head coach is content with the franchise’s overall future because they know who they’re building around.

Then, of course, the Vikings, 49ers, and Chiefs are content with their undefeated starts as they’re heading in the right direction, but aren’t complacent because they know they still have a long season ahead and areas to improve.

The Dolphins, Titans, and Chargers are winless and discontent with how poorly they’re playing, and face significant uncertainty about their franchises' futures.

The Ravens and Jaguars are content with 4-1 records and a chance to win their divisions, but they remain hungry to win the Super Bowl.

The Colts, Bears, and Cowboys must be discontent with their inconsistency and up-and-down seasons so far.

The Giants are content with their first-place standing in the NFC East, but are discontent about their tie with the Commanders on Sunday.

The Seahawks should be content as the reigning Super Bowl champs, but they're discontent with their 3-2 record and their 32-29 home loss to the 49ers on Sunday.

Let's face it, unless a team wins every week and wins the Super Bowl every season, it’s hard for NFL teams to remain content!

But after five weeks, plenty of teams have good reasons to be content at this point in the season, while still wanting to grow, get better, and keep going.

In our own lives, are we content or discontent with the "state of the franchise" right now?

Are we peacefully satisfied with where we're at in life, or are we discontent with our circumstances because we lack satisfaction with our possessions, status, and situations?

As followers of Jesus, we know who our "franchise" cornerstone and anchor is, and Who to build our life around. When we follow Him, we know we're heading in the right direction. This should lead to contentment, right? Yes!

Unfortunately, we allow recent "losses" or undesirable circumstances to leave us discontent. We want more of everything else (money, possessions, pleasure, and power), and we're unhappy when we aren't "winning" more by the world's standards or our selfish desires.

Yet, Hebrews 13:5 (NLT) tells us, "Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.'"

Sadly, we aren't satisfied unless we're "winning Super Bowls" every year. We quickly forget how victorious we truly are in Christ and how, in Him and from Him, we have everything we need. 

Paul writes in Philippians 4:19-20 (NLT), "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."

One other thing to consider is that when we're discontent with our lives, it may point to something God wants to change in us or in our circumstances.

I like the term “holy discontentment” to describe being tired of settling for less than God’s best.

The challenge is to prayerfully discern the difference between being dissatisfied because we don't have everything we want or because things aren't going exactly how we think they should, versus being restless because God is asking us to make significant changes. 

Sometimes we're losing in life because we've been disobedient, made the wrong decisions, and are discontent with where we're at.

These are the times we must turn to God for help to get back on track and go in a different direction. We can't be content and at peace if we aren't following Jesus, obeying Him, having the proper fear/reverence of Him, and trusting Him.

Proverbs 19:23 (NIV) explains, "The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble."

Ultimately, our contentment lies not in circumstances but in our Cornerstone. When we rest in Jesus, entrust our lives to Him, and depend on His strength, then contentment is possible.

Paul describes his experience in Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT): "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Today, let's be encouraged to draw our strength from Jesus to remain content with the life God has generously and graciously given us. Let’s also remember that He gave us His Son so we can have peace about our eternity.

Lastly, just as NFL teams in a good spot right now are content but not complacent, let's take a similar approach as we seek God, desiring to grow, get better, keep going, and continue becoming more like Jesus.

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that! 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for wrongly focusing on my circumstances and being discontent with where things are at. Help me remain content regardless of what's happening, as I trust in You and rely on Christ for strength. Please show me the areas where I’m discontent because You want to change me or my circumstances. Help me to discern the difference and take the right steps forward. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.