Topical Bible: Natural Life: The Dissatisfied Despise

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In the biblical context, the concept of dissatisfaction with natural life is often linked to a lack of contentment and a failure to recognize the providence and sovereignty of God. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that illustrate how dissatisfaction can lead individuals to despise the life that God has given them, often resulting in spiritual and moral decline.

Biblical Examples of Dissatisfaction

One of the most poignant examples of dissatisfaction with natural life is found in the account of the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Despite God's miraculous deliverance from Egypt and His provision of manna, the Israelites frequently expressed dissatisfaction. Numbers 11:4-6 recounts their complaints: "The rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, 'Who will feed us meat? We remember the fish we ate freely in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there is nothing to see but this manna!'" Their dissatisfaction led them to despise the provision of God, resulting in divine judgment.

Similarly, in the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on the futility of life when lived apart from God. Ecclesiastes 2:17 states, "So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. For everything is futile and a pursuit of the wind." Solomon's dissatisfaction with life "under the sun" underscores the emptiness of a life that lacks divine purpose and direction.

Teachings on Contentment

The Bible consistently teaches that contentment is a virtue that guards against the despising of natural life. The Apostle Paul, writing to Timothy, emphasizes the importance of contentment in 1 Timothy 6:6-8 : "Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these." Paul highlights that contentment, coupled with godliness, is a source of great spiritual wealth and satisfaction.

In Philippians 4:11-13 , Paul further elaborates on his personal experience with contentment: "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Here, Paul attributes his ability to remain content in all circumstances to the strength he receives from Christ, illustrating that true contentment is rooted in a relationship with God.

Consequences of Despising Natural Life

Despising natural life due to dissatisfaction can lead to a range of negative consequences, both spiritually and morally. Proverbs 19:3 warns, "A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD." This verse highlights how dissatisfaction and folly can lead individuals to blame God for their circumstances, further alienating them from His grace and guidance.

Moreover, dissatisfaction can lead to envy and strife, as seen in James 3:16 : "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." The dissatisfaction that breeds envy and ambition ultimately results in chaos and moral decay, contrary to the peace and order that God desires for His creation.

Encouragement to Embrace Life

The Bible encourages believers to embrace the life God has given them with gratitude and trust. Psalm 118:24 declares, "This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." This verse serves as a reminder to find joy and contentment in each day, recognizing it as a gift from God.

Furthermore, Jesus' teaching in John 10:10 offers a profound perspective on life: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." Jesus promises a life of abundance and fulfillment, contrasting the dissatisfaction that the world often offers. Embracing this promise requires a shift from a worldly perspective to a Christ-centered one, where true satisfaction and contentment are found.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 2:17
Therefore I hated life; because the work that is worked under the sun is grievous to me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

How to Become Like Christ.
... may become great saints; given a certain natural disposition and ... many a man who has
begun life as shallow ... further." Why, we should be dissatisfied, we should ...
/.../dods/how to become like christ/how to become like christ.htm

The Government of Nature.
... we cannot tell; but he was painfully dissatisfied with himself. ... was stilled, it came
about by natural causes"that ... thought gives form to matter, life to nature ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ix the government of nature.htm

Job's Regret and Our Own
... the Wicked One; the Christian in middle life, surrounded with ... Have you never noticed
this in natural things, we ... to live nearer to God, so dissatisfied with his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/jobs regret and our own.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... our corrupt nature, and so with our natural disposition ... who has learned to be most
dissatisfied with himself ... and afterwards continued his former course of life. ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Light for them that Sit in Darkness;
... The Lord Jesus Christ himself give thee light and life by faith in him; to whom ... one
as took being when he was formed in the world; he is God's natural Son, the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/light for them that sit.htm

Impressive Phrases
... animate, vivify, and exhilarate [vivify = bring life to]. ... dissatisfied, rebellious,
unsettled, and satirical. ... informal, natural, unconventional, and careless. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section iv impressive phrases.htm

Book ii.
... But that which is natural is not also penal, for the Lord did not inflict death
as a ... in thy labor; in sorrow shalt thou eat its fruit all the days of thy life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/book ii.htm

The victory of Faith
... so that when he had all, he was still dissatisfied; and, like ... is really and actually
regenerate, and passed from death unto life! ... Take it even as natural faith ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the victory of faith.htm

Of the Jurisdiction of the Church, and the Abuses of It, as ...
... not forced, not wrested, but genuine, natural, and obvious ... that you would say their
whole life had been ... ancient bishops were often greatly dissatisfied at being ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of the jurisdiction.htm

The Throne of Grace
... and have the form, but the inner life of prayer ... and he who imagines that his own
natural desires, coming ... I usually feel more dissatisfied with my prayers than ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the throne of grace.htm