“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and unworthy lust, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” Titus 2:11-14
Complacency is dangerous, it leads to stagnation, vulnerability, and a false sense of security, which can ultimately result in spiritual and moral decline. In the Bible, complacency is often depicted as a precursor to downfall. Revelation 3:15-16, describes the church of Laodicea as being “lukewarm,” neither hot nor cold, which symbolizes their complacency and lack of zeal for God. Their indifference made them distasteful in God’s sight, serving as a warning that complacency can lead to His rejection. God desires us as believers to be zealous in good works.
“For as many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent.” Revelation 3:19. No matter who we are, we can fall prey to complacency if not careful. Look at the life of King David, who, during a time when kings went to war, stayed back in Jerusalem. His complacency led to his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). David’s failure to remain vigilant and engaged in his duties made him susceptible to temptation, this act of complacency opened the door to sin and devastating consequences. May the Lord open our eyes to the pitfalls of complacency in Jesus Name!
God’s word according to 1 Corinthians 15:58 requires “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, for ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Abraham’s father, Tara became complacent during his journey from Ur to Canaan. Initially, Tara set out with his family, including Abraham to go to the land of Canaan. However, when they reached Haran, Tara settled there instead of continuing to Canaan (Genesis 11:31). This act of settling in Haran instead of pressing forward to the intended destination caused him to miss out on destiny and God’s best for him.
The consequence of Tara’s complacency caused him to miss the Promised Land. He died in Haran, never fulfilling the journey he had begun (Genesis 11:32). When we venture off the beaten path, we also run the risk for less than God’s best, which can lead to missed opportunities and not reaching our full potential. Tara’s failure to move forward and complete the journey caused him to miss the blessings and promises that awaited him and his family in Canaan.
In contrast, Abraham, after Tara’s death, obeyed God’s call to leave Haran and continue the journey to Canaan (Genesis 12:1-4). Abraham’s willingness to move forward where his father had settled demonstrates the importance of perseverance and obedience to God’s leading. It also highlights that overcoming complacency is crucial for fully realizing God’s promises and plans in our lives.
My brothers and sisters overcoming complacency requires intentional action, vigilance, and a continual pursuit of growth. We must adhere to the warnings of scripture to be “alert and sober-minded” (1 Peter 5:8), to “press on” towards the goal (Philippians 3:14), and to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6). We must give ourselves to regular self-examination, accountability, and commit to spiritual disciplines like prayer, studying the word of God, meditation and service to community. May the Lord grant us His ability to overcome the dangers of complacency and keep us on the path of growth and righteousness. In Jesus Name.