Content, Not Satisfied

But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6

This verse is telling us we should be satisfied with our lives, right? No. Absolutely not. There's a difference between being content and being satisfied. Satisfaction is being completely happy with your situation--wanting nothing else, even if you could have it. Contentment is being at peace with your situation--willing to be happy where you are, but not necessarily wanting nothing more. Think of it this way: you've just eaten a great meal at a friend's house, and they offer you a second helping of dessert. Now, if you are fully satisfied, you will graciously decline--you couldn't hold anymore, thanks. If, however, you're content, you might accept--you'd be perfectly happy without it...but there's room for more, so why not? We ought to be content. But we ought be very careful not to be satisfied too soon in our lives. Strive to be a better person, to be a more influential witness, to be a more mature Christian. Take care of yourself and strive for a healthier body. And, with the right focus, it's okay to try to further yourself financially as well. But if your situation is destined to remain the same, be okay with that, too--be God-centered and content anyway.