Leaders and Contentment

January 24, 2012 | by Bill Isaacs | Category: Leadership, Personal Growth,

Paul’s writing to the Philippian church are among his most personal and this is just one of many that are deeply thought-provoking to me as a leader… 

How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 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. (Philippians 4:10-12 NLT)

Contentment is not a core conviction of the culture in which I lead and live.  Look at the hysteria over the release of a new iPhone or iPad.  Notice how often we change our TVs, cars, spouses!  We are not trained to be content and in fact, our economy survives on the idea that discontent causes us to spend money.  So where is the balance in knowing how to be happy and content?

The leader’s contentment must reside in the convictions of his identity, calling and assignment.  By this I mean, striving for more productivity, growth and success is not inherently bad and proper motivation is key to an success as a leader.  Good leaders are always looking to advance and in any growing organization, the advancement and promotion of good and effective leaders only strengthens the organization.

Paul is speaking more of the internal compass of his life, who he is and what he is assigned to do with his time on earth.  His motivation was not found in the gifts that came from this church or that.  He was not motivated by the view of his peers or notoriety of others.  There is a settledness in his spirit that he belongs to God, that his assignment is as God intends and no matter where, who or when…for Paul that is enough. 

So maybe we could say that contentment in this context is knowing who God has called me to be and being comfortable with that and understanding what God has assigned me to do for His kingdom agenda and being okay that this is my place in the kingdom.  In another letter, Paul encourages the Corinthians that comparisons among ourselves is not a wise thing and leaders are prone to look around and see the success of others as an indictment for them to do something else…DON’T DO IT!  It will only lead to greater discontent.

Here are three simple things I try to do often: 

1. Be honest with myself about who I am, what my relationship to God is and how I can relate more closely to Him.
2. Through prayer, be abundantly clear about what I think God wants my life to be about and then pursue that with all of my heart.
3. Don’t look back.  I refuse to wonder what might have been or could have been had I…whatever.  At the time, I made the best decision I could with the information I had and God’s help. 

For me, that is enough!

About the author
Bill is the Administrative Bishop in Ohio for the CHurch of God denomination. He's also a dad, grand dad, & author.