Dissatisfaction

The word dissatisfaction is defined as “the condition of being dissatisfied or displeased; discontent…” (Webster’s New World Dictionary, page 407).

There seems to be an ever increasing state of discontentment in our world. It almost every facet of life, if not in every facet, there is the growing sense of disgruntlement.

The church is not exempt from this state of affairs. Frequently, in various areas you see its head arise. This is not so unusual, for the condition among the Lord’s people can be traced back to the early periods of Old Testament history (Exodus 14:10-12; 1 Samuel 8:1-9; Exodus 32). The New Testament also has it’s example of this problem (John 6:66-71; Acts 6:1-7; James 3:14).

Displeasure can be good or bad, for example, if one is dissatisfied with sin and the moral condition of people as was Lot (2 Peter 2:7); or to be discontented because of unnecessary division and discord among brethren as was Paul (1 Corinthians 1:10) is good.

To be displeased over people perverting the truth and leading people away from the truth is proper (Romans 16:17, 18; Galatians 1:6-9). It should be recognized that it is right and proper for Christians to be upset and dissatisfied with any and everything that displeases God. If within the church teaching, actions or activities arise that is contrary to the Lord’s will the Christians should be discontented and upset and should stand firmly for what is right.

The fact that some dissatisfaction can be bad is also evident. Paul said to the Galatians, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” Here we have two facts revealed: (1) There was discontentment among at least some of the Galatians toward Paul (2) It was over Paul telling them the truth. When children of God become upset and grieved over the preaching and teaching of truth it is bad and improper. When people become disgruntled over the church taking disciplinary action against a disorderly brother (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14, 15) it is an unscriptural, displeasure, provided the discipline was done in love, without partiality, with the intention of restoration (Galatians 6:1), after all other efforts were to no avail.

There is another area in which dissatisfaction may arise. This is in the area of expediency or opinion. This area has to do with things that expedite (helps carry out more efficiently) the Lord’s command. Examples of these are: multiple cups in the Lord’s Super, Bible classes to provide spiritual nourishment for the saints, invitation songs to encourage people to obedience and baptisteries in church buildings, etc. In these and other related areas we must be careful not to be malcontented out of our own selfish and self-centered interests. If we are discontented because of a lace of sufficiency in such areas, shouldn’t we do what we can to make it better or more productive rather than being disgruntled and complaining? Our interest should be, will it help the Lord’s cause and is it in the best interest of the body. If the answer is yes, let us all hook up and pull together, if the answer is no let us not do it. May all that we do be done to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Pray for our efforts and work as though the success depends on you. If something is unscriptural or harmful to the cause bring it to the attending of the elders in order that it may be addressed.

God bless you in your walk of faith and labor or love.

Bill Cantrell