Learning to be content

Bob Spencer has an uneasy feeling about much of what passes for Christian fellowship:

It sometimes seems to me that many people would love to hear about your problems, but few really know what to do with your contentment.

If the substance of most of your conversation is discontent, people feel right at home. They feel good about giving advice and adding you to their prayer list. They are able to fit you into a familiar and often-utilized mental compartment.

Sometimes I sense that my Christian acquaintances only want to get together to "share" their problems. Over time, it gets to seem like Christians, though they may wax joyful about God from time to time, are not particularly satisfied with their lives.

Ouch. Bob may be on to something here. What's more, Bob does not simply express his discontent with this situation. He goes on to explain how Christians can learn contentment.

Update: John Schroeder shares related thoughts, particularly in regard to small groups.