Self-Satisfaction: Wholesome Contentment Without Complacency
A wholesome sense of achievement in work done well for God – without smugness, pride or complacency – and the assurance that full satisfaction awaits us only in heaven.
Wholesome Contentment in Our Work
Self-satisfaction should not be a smug feeling of superiority, nor an ‘I’ve done enough’ attitude, but rather a wholesome contentment and sense of achievement in our own work, for the Bible says, “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself…” (Eccl 2:24; Gal 6:4). God, Himself, reviewed what He had created and declared each aspect good and the combined total as very good (Gen 1:3-31).
In the same way, we should review what we have done, giving thanks to God for what we have been enabled by His help to accomplish, and also looking honestly to see where there is room for improvement. Such a review is not an exercise in self-condemnation – “there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1) – but a constructive audit carried out in the light of His grace, so that we become more proficient in the work He has entrusted to us and, in everything, bring glory to Him (1 Cor 10:31; Col 3:23-24). Gratitude keeps the review honest: we credit His enabling grace for every achievement, and we welcome His correction as the training of a loving Father rather than the verdict of a harsh judge (Heb 12:10-11).
Constructive feedback is valuable
We can positively acknowledge tasks successfully completed with a ‘well done’ mental attitude of approval and encouragement, so long as we do not become proud or arrogant. Honest self-evaluation is not self-indulgence: it is taking responsibility for the work God has entrusted to us and recognising His help in whatever has been achieved.
Guarding Against Pride and Complacency
Self-satisfaction should not lead to complacency, though, nor should we be so satisfied with this life that we disregard eternity. It should be a spur to greater achievement – to be all that we can be for Christ. If there is room for improvement, analyse where and what measures can be taken in a similar situation next time to produce a better result, for a failure is only a failure if we learn nothing from it. There will always be the critics who will find fault whatever we do, yet ultimately we are responsible to God, not to the shifting opinions of others.
Whatever progress we make, remember there is always more territory to be taken, so keep pursuing. When Israel had received much of the Promised Land, God’s word to Joshua in old age was, “There are still very large areas of land to be taken over” (Josh 13:1) – and Jabez prayed for God to enlarge his territory (1 Chr 4:10). Resting on past achievements is a subtle form of complacency: Paul, though he had accomplished so much, refused to consider himself as having arrived, but said, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize” (Phil 3:12-14). Tomorrow’s growth begins with today’s honest review, so take the fresh ground God sets before us – in character, in service and in witness – until He says the work is complete.
Full Satisfaction Awaits Heaven
While on this earth in our sinful condition (even though we have been redeemed by Christ) we are not what we have the potential to be. He is working in us, if we are co-operating, to bring it to completion (Phil 1:6). Our experiences often echo Paul’s words – in our sinful nature there is nothing good; we regularly do what is evil because of the sin residing within, yet victory is in Christ (Rom 7:14-25).
Full satisfaction will only be achieved when we reach heaven
In our humanity, there is a tension between what we can be in Christ and what we actually are, with even our righteous efforts like filthy rags (Isa 64:6). Thank God, our entry to heaven is not dependent on our pathetic efforts but the all-sufficient sacrifice of Christ. Until then, we press on – thankful, striving and truly satisfied only in Him.
Reflection and Application:
- Test your own actions honestly – is your satisfaction wholesome gratitude or smug superiority? (Gal 6:4)
- Thank God for one recently completed task, acknowledging His help in it.
- Identify one area where complacency has crept in, and set a concrete step for improvement.
- Keep eternity in view, pressing on toward the completion God has promised (Phil 1:6).
See also: contentment, pride, satisfaction, self-talk.