The Tension of Contentment (Philippians 3:13–14)
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Helen Keller once said, “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want.”
If we’re being honest, most of us live in that tension—grateful for what we have, but also desiring more. And sometimes, we feel guilty about that. We think, If I were a better Christian, I’d be totally content with my life. I wouldn’t long for anything else. But what if that tension isn’t wrong? What if it’s actually healthy?
Paul says in Philippians 3:13–14: "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
That doesn’t sound like someone who’s just “settled.” Paul is content in Christ, yes—but he’s also pressing forward. He’s living in that same tension: thankful for today, but hopeful for what’s ahead.
As followers of Jesus, we’re not called to be satisfied with this world. There’s always a holy discontent, a longing for more of Him, a deeper purpose, a future hope. The key is learning to live in that tension—not with guilt, but with gratitude and anticipation.
So today, be thankful. Celebrate what God has done and what He’s given you. But don’t be afraid to look ahead. Dream. Press on. Because in Christ, the best is always yet to come.