Is It Possible To Be Content In The Face Of Constant Criticism?

But godliness with contentment is great gain. — 1 Timothy 6:6 (NIV)

In his play, Richard III, Shakespeare coined the phrase, “winter of discontent” to describe temporary times of unhappiness. More than 400 years later, we still see people using his words. I think the phrase resonates with us because we all experience dissatisfaction at some point in our lives.

My own “ winter of discontent” happened a few months ago. I fell into old habits of relying on the approval of others and cultural definitions of success to define my happiness. Instead of approval and validation, I found myself attacked by little criticisms of almost every area of my life. Some of the criticisms came from strangers, others from well-meaning friends and family. And many came from my own harsh inner critic. Before long any joy I’d felt for achieving my goals morphed into discouragement.

If you have read my blog posts for the month of September, you may have noticed a common theme. So often my writing reflects what the Lord is currently teaching me. And during this season of discontent, He kept reminding me that only He can validate my efforts or define my worth.

A familiar verse came to mind:

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

In the verses before the one noted above, Paul warns the young evangelist, Timothy, against false teachers whose preaching encouraged people to seek worldly riches:

If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. (1 Timothy 6:3-5 NIV emphasis mine)

In context, Paul clearly speaks of people who see godliness as a means to gain wealth. But his point has a universal application: godliness isn’t meant to lead us to worldly riches. It gives us something much more valuable ~ true contentment.

The Greek word translated as godliness, eusebeia, can also be translated as piety. It describes living in ways that honor God because of our deep reverence for Him. Contentment comes from the Greek word autarkeia. It can also be translated as self-satisfied, or self-sufficiency. Sometimes in English these words carry a sense of arrogance. But in this context, autarkeia describes people who are confident in their relationship with God and content with the life they have with Him. They don’t need validation or approval from others. 

Criticisms had the power to steal my joy because I didn’t have my own deep convictions based on God’s Word. So I began to study His perspective on all the areas in which I received criticism. The results are reflected in the last four blog posts:

• People look at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
• People judge on appearances, but God looks deeper, and makes a righteous judgment (John 7:24).
• People are impressed with big and visible accomplishments; God values every single and simple act of kindness (Matthew 25:40). 
• God leads us differently, but to the same destination (John 21:21-22)

The Lord reminds us that His thoughts and ways are not like ours (Isaiah 55:8). I’ve learned people may offer helpful advice and constructive criticism, but they can never trump the authority of God’s Word. 

Contentment built from godly convictions will withstand the pressure of worldly criticisms.

As I internalized God’s perspective in these areas, He gifted me with peace and true contentment. Criticisms from others haven’t disappeared, but they no longer have the same impact. I am content with who I am and where God is leading me. And that is a great gain.

Lord, we live in a world where criticisms from others (or ourselves) can quickly undermine our happiness. Please help us develop deep convictions from the truths in Your Word. As we pursue godliness, may we experience contentment in the life You give us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.