Self-satisfaction

<<pleased with oneself>>

This should not be a smug feeling of superiority or ‘I’ve done enough’ 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).

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, 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, analyze 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.

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). Many times our experiences echo Paul’s words – in our sinful nature there is nothing good; we regularly do what is evil because of

Full satisfaction will only be achieved when we reach heaven

the sin residing within, yet victory is in Christ (Rom 7:14-25). 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.

See also: contentment, pride, satisfaction, self-talk.