Have you ever struggled with complacency? It’s a thing. What the bible says about complacency is simple and clear. Actually, the Bible warns against complacency and urges us believers to stay active in our faith. It encourages growth, diligence, and avoiding spiritual stagnation. What causes us to be complacent as Christians? When we know it’s going to hinder us, why do we fall into those seasons of complancy time and time again? You know, the Apostle Paul emphasized the need for a continued commitment to one’s faith so we don’t fall short. Also, while Proverbs warns that complacency can lead to destruction. Still, it finds us, doesn’t it?
What is complacency in Christianity? Complacency is when you feel satisfied and content, which can make you lose motivation. It’s like being too comfortable and not pushing yourself to improve or grow. It’s essential to be aware of it and not let it hinder your spiritual development.
What the bible says about complacency
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How I discovered I was complacent
During a recent Bible study, my husband asked an unusual question: “How many people here need to be revived?” Hmmm…during Bible study, I sit in the front row, so I can’t see if any hands behind me are raised, but before I can even think about it, I raise mine. I’ve felt like a complacent Christian for some time and knew I needed revival.
Plus, I have NOTHING to prove to anyone and no one to impress. Who cares who saw my hand raise or what they thought?
The funny thing about it is I raised my hand almost subconsciously. That’s when you know a response is the real deal…when it’s automatic.
A little later, my husband asked how we needed to be revived.
That one stumped me. I’ve been doing the same thing for so long that I didn’t really know.
I just knew a part of me was wanting, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Do you know what I mean?
As others answered the question, I whispered in my heart to God: “Lord, where do I need revival?”
What the Bible says about complacency
I think the scripture that came to mind clearly articulated what the Bible says about complacency.
Here’s one scripture:
“So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold…” Rev. 3:16
Here are a few more scriptures and what the Bible says about complacency:
- Amos 6:1: “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable men of the first of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes!”
- Revelation 3:15-16: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
- Proverbs 1:32: “For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.”
- Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
- Hebrews 6:11-12: “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
- 2 Peter 3:17: “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability.”
These verses clearly state what the Bible says about complacency. They are against complacency and urge us to stay diligent, fervent, and steadfast in our faith. The Bible emphasizes the dangers of becoming complacent and encourages a proactive approach to faith and life.
Some specific verses highlight the consequences of complacency, while others emphasize the need to be fervent and purposeful in our journey of faith. The message is to remain diligent and dedicated in our pursuit of righteousness.
Being a seasoned Christian and Complacency
As I type this, I’m soon approaching my twenty-second year of following Jesus Christ! I’ve enjoyed the amazing highs of living the Christian life.
But do know I have also endured plummeting depths of pain, sorry, and rejection along my journey as a Christian woman.
In my opinion, as with any relationship, your relationship with the Lord will be full of soaring high peaks and some very low valleys.
But, I got complacent in my faith walk.
I had been through a lot. I know who I am in the Lord and who He is to me; still, I need revival in my soul.
This chick got lazy; comfortable
and complacent in her faith walk.
I wish there were more sermons about what the Bible says about complacency.
Don’t get too cozy in your relationship with the Lord, and be a complacent Christian.
Similar to our “natural” relationships with our husbands, boyfriends, and friends, we can become “comfortable” in our Christian walk.
Do you know what I mean?
Let me explain: the same blessings that used to surprise us and invigorate us can become commonplace and “ordinary” over time.
For instance, remember when you first met the love of your life?
If you were like me, you couldn’t eat, sleep, or even talk about him without a bubbling sensation down in your belly. Then, as time went on, his conversation dulled, his smile became “normal,” and his embrace was just “okay.”
Maybe he changed. Or, maybe you just got comfortable. Maybe you got complacent.
The same can happen with our walk with Jesus.
If we’re not careful, we lose the passion for the Lord that once invigorated us and kept us waking up early to pray.
It’s true, right?
If you’re not careful, the Bible can lose its wonder, and we may begin to take it for granted.
Our prayer time has shortened little by little. It seems “dry” and repetitive, so you ask, “Why bother?”
The praise songs that once painted vivid pictures of your personal gratitude become praise and worship “as usual”.
Don’t be a complacent Christian! Stay forever in awe of Jesus!
Christian woman, hold fast to your child-like wonder pertaining to the things of God. In thinking about what the Bible says about complacency, I forgot the opposite of it. The opposite of complacency is a wild love affair with Jesus. Spending time with Him, appreciating what He’s done for us. Cherishing HIm.
Never take for granted the awesome fact that when you kneel to pray, your heavenly Father meets you there with openness, attentiveness, and acceptance.
Remind yourself of this often.
Don’t forget who you are, either!
Ponder your shortcomings – not to the point of depression – but to the point of immense gratitude, knowing God loves you in spite of all those things!
Remember your true nature of wretchedness and deep-seated sinfulness. Sure, you’re redeemed, but remember who you are on the daily. It’s not pretty. Never forget that.
Remembering your frailty, sinful tendencies, and weakness: YELL from your spirit, “THANK YOU, JESUS FOR LOVING ME!!!!!”
Yeah, worship Him with “baby Christian” excitement.
A quick and honest look backward (and inward) will generate that sentiment once again for ya!
Ignite your passion with fresh worship and spontaneous praise!
When a song “rings” in your heart, run to YouTube (or wherever you get your music) and just praise Him!!!
His mercies are indeed fresh every morning.
His forgiveness has given you life!
It’s given you a fresh start!
It’s given you FORGIVENESS!
We become comfortable and complacent Christians because we forget these things.
We forget where God brought us from.
We forget who we REALLY are on the inside…deep down in the hollows of our hearts.
Don’t forget and become a complacent Christian.
That sort of spiritual amnesia is lethal to your Christian walk. It kills your excitement about Jesus.
Take a journey down memory lane, Girl, and cultivate a fresh passion for Jesus and what He’s done in you and through you.
Only then will we go from glory to glory! We will heed the warnings and what the Bible says about complacency! We will thrive in the glory and presence of our savior and not take him for granted.
Only then will we be truly revived in spirit and in mind!
Amen?
What is Christian Revival?
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