Message Notes
Taking The “Dis” Out of DisContentment

July 11, 2004                                                                                                      

Special Speaker: Bryant Smith

 

Though the concept of dissing or being dissed is thought of as contemporary slang, the origins of the term go back to ancient history. In its original form it was not a single word, but rather a Latin phrase - dis ali·ter vi·sum – which meant “the gods have decreed otherwise”. It was used to remind people that no matter how carefully they planned or prepared - the unexpected, the undeserved even the unimaginable often occurred. Generations later, the language is dead, but the truth lives on… often life doesn’t work out the way we want. Often we find ourselves dissed by discontentment of people or circumstances, so all of us need to know “How to take the “Dis” out of Discontentment”. 

 

 Discontentment: the sense of dissatisfaction over unfulfilled ambition.

 

The concept of discontentment is difficult for us because we recognize that it impacts our lives both positively and negatively.

 

 A certain amount of discontentment is not only beneficial, but essential in motivating us to be better people living better lives. The problem occurs when we find ourselves incapable of ever being satisfied – incapable of appreciating and enjoying what we do have because we are driven to acquire, achieve and experience even more.

 

The Danger Signs of Unhealthy Discontentment 

1.          Bitter ________________   The inability to enjoy the success of others.

2.          Selfish _______________   The desire to win at all costs.  

3.          Hateful _______________   The tendency to belittle and demean others.

4.          Constant _____________   The refusal to accept appropriate personal  
                                                      responsibility.

These attitudes are almost always accompanied by the “IF ONLY” Syndrome. 

If only I had a better ____________.                If only I had nicer _____________.

If only I had a loving ____________.               If only I had higher ____________.

The “If Only” Syndrome results from the belief that if our ___________________ can just be improved THEN we’ll be content. The truth however is that genuine contentment is not about our choice of circumstances, it’s about our choices _______ our circumstances.

Philip. 4:11-13 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. [12] 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. [13] I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  

 

Paul understood the keys to contentment: 

1.          It’s not the absence of problems. It’s a positive perspective in ______ of them. 

2.          It’s not influenced by external factors. It’s determined by internal ___________.  

3.          It’s not about self generated effort. It’s about _________ generated empowering.  

Steps to Experiencing Contentment in Our Own Lives 

1.      Stop ___________________. 

Hebrews 4:15-16 (MsgB) We don't have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He's been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. [16] So let's walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.  

2.      Stop ___________________. 

Galatians 5:26 (MsgB)  That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.  

3.      Stop ___________________. 

Philip. 4:6-7 (MsgB) Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. [7]Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

 

4.      Stop ___________________. 

1 Tim 4:4... Everything God created is good, and to be received with thanks. Nothing is to be sneered at and thrown out.  

5.      Start ___________________.

Philip. 4:9 (MsgB) Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. 

6.      Start ___________________.

Eccles. 9:7-9 (MsgB)  Seize life! Eat bread with gusto, Drink wine with a robust heart. Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure![ 8]Dress festively every morning. Don't skimp on colors and scarves. [9]Relish life with the spouse you love Each and every day of your precarious life. Each day is God's gift. It's all you get in exchange For the hard work of staying alive. Make the most of each one!