Complacency Check-Upfeatured

Before I get started, let me remind you that when I write a devotional, God chooses the topic.  He usually picks a topic that needs attention in my life. This time God chose complacency. I must be overdue for a complacency check-up!

The definition of complacent is not a pretty one. Merriam-Webster defines it as “marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies.”¹ In Revelation 3:15-17, Jesus has strong words for an early church: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” I think complacent is a very close cousin to lukewarm.

Complacency is a choice. When things are going smoothly in my life, I find it very easy to choose to lie back in my “spiritual recliner” and lazily coast along. Satan convinces me that I am doing okay and that other things are more important than actively pursuing my spiritual health. I forget that coasting is an effective way to get to a valley, but is useless when I need to climb the mountains of life. I become blind to my deficiencies and the dangers of my lax attitude.

Jesus knew this problem would not be limited to that single congregation. So, it isn’t surprising that his Word is absolutely crammed full of insights on combating complacency. Here is a very small sampling:

• ”Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands” (Psalm 119:5-6).
• “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).
• “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
• “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:11-12).
• “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8-10). 

I highlighted some key words and phrases in these verses. These words communicate the urgency of purposely choosing to be constantly vigilant and faithful in our Christian walk. The choice must be a daily (or hourly!) one.  After all, Peter tells us the devil is constantly looking for an opening to convince us that it is okay to be spiritually lazy. Nearly every day he tries to convince me to skip or cut short my time in God’s Word. He tries to persuade me that I can pray later and that I can always reach out to that hurting person tomorrow instead of today. All too often I succumb to his lies.

The apostle Paul tells us how to fight against complacency in Ephesians 6:10-18 (it’s worth a pause to read it!). We are called to a daily discipline that includes bolstering our faith through steeping ourselves in the truths of God’s Word, praying, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, actively choosing to pursue his righteousness.

I chose Micah 4:2 to accompany this painting: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” This verse reassures me that if I choose daily to bypass my “spiritual recliner” and intentionally go to my heavenly Father, he will guide and equip me to steadfastly walk the beautiful path that he has planned just for me. He longs to do this for me and for you. Let’s get rid of those “spiritual recliners” today!

¹ Merriam Webster.com search for definition of “complacent,” www.merriam-webster.com