Malcontent In The Middle

“For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful…” (2 Timothy 3:2)

Do you know anyone who is always unhappy, always complaining, moaning and groaning about this, or that?

They are a drag to be around for sure.

We'll name this complainer, "Malcontent in the Middle."

Malcontent is always blaming others for his problems. It's the government's fault. It's his boss's fault. It's his wife's fault. It's his parent's fault. It's always someone else's fault.

Malcontent is never thankful for anything. His life would be better if he had a better job or better working conditions. He would be happier if he had more money. Happier if he could finally get the recognition at work that he deserves. Happier if his kids were better behaved. Happier if he had more friends. Happier if his wife treated him better.

Never happy, never thankful, never content with anything.

Sound like anyone you know?

If you are a Mr, Miss, or Mrs. Malcontent, the only thing that stands between your peace, joy, and a closer relationship with God, is you... Malcontent in the Middle.

“Then they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His word, but complained in their tents, and did not heed the voice of the Lord.” (Psalm 106:24-25)

Malcontent only focuses on what he or she does not have, instead of what they do have. Looking at what's wrong in their life, instead of what is good and pleasant. Always negative, always complaining, not believing the Lord, or heeding His voice.

Unthankful.

Malcontent says "I'm unhappy and complaining all the time because my life sucks!"  Not realizing that his or her life sucks because he or she is unhappy and complaining all the time.

Here is what the apostles who greatly suffered in trials said:

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)

God has a purpose is allowing you to go through difficult times. He is testing your faith, to produce patience and endurance in you.

“In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7)

When you endure trials patiently, and you rejoice and thank God for your fiery trials, it will be to your honor when Jesus comes in His glory to receive you to Himself. But most of all, your trusting in Jesus Christ, will be to the praise of His glory. 

Paul the apostle said:

“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

Paul learned that the secret to being content, no matter what his circumstances were, was to be thankful to God for all things, and to look to Him, trusting Him for his strength and to meet his needs.

The bottom line is, I have to choose to trust God to manage my life—no matter what. And then be thankful and content in whatever circumstances I am in. 

God is sovereign over all things. And absolutely nothing happens unless He either directly causes it to happen, or He allows it to happen.

So, you can choose to learn Paul's secret to being content, by trusting in God no matter what comes; and be thankful to Him for everything.

Or, you can continue as that unthankful complainer. But by doing so, you will continue to be that person who stands between you and a life of contentment with God...

You know that person; "Malcontent in the Middle."

It's your choice.

—God is Love and Love Never Fails.