Overcoming Spiritual Complacency.

“For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them.” Prov. 1:32.

Complacency is costly, the sinking of the Titanic serves as an example of the dangers of complacency, which in this case resulted in some 1500 men, women and children losing their lives. You will remember that Titanic was the ship that sank on her maiden voyage, in 1912, after hitting an iceberg. Titanic was considered by her owners, the White Star Line, and also her insurers, Lloyds of London, to be unsinkable. In fact, so complacent were they of Titanic’s invulnerability that the ship was allowed to sail with only enough lifeboats for half the people on board. When the accident happened, at 11:40pm on April 14th, there was very little in the way of commotion among the passengers, who were simply told that there was a minor problem which would cause a short delay. The ship’s orchestra carried on playing, and passengers continued to socialise and make merry in the comfortable saloons.

When eventually the order was given to man the lifeboats, many passengers refused to leave the warmth and comfort of the ship’s saloon, preferring instead to believe that the ship wasn’t in any real danger. The thought of venturing out onto the icy, cold Atlantic Ocean in a lifeboat at the dead of night initially seemed preposterous to many passengers. Ironically, the first few lifeboats pulled away only half full, and the rest of the story, as they say, is history! These days it's so commonplace to see believers who are quite lukewarm and apathetic concerning the practice of their faith.

Many have become so familiar with church that it's more of a routine. Long-term attendance in church can lead to "going through the motions," where routine replaces genuine devotion. Familiarity with the language and rituals of faith can produce indifference, causing believers to focus on outward, habitual actions rather than inward transformation.

When life is comfortable and prosperous, individuals often feel less need for daily, desperate reliance on God. A sense of safety can lead to a false sense of security, causing people to treat God as a nonfactor in their daily lives. The "cares and riches and pleasures of life" can choke spiritual growth. Time is often diverted to entertainment, social media, or professional, family, and social obligations, leaving little to no time for prayer or study. Some believers may feel they have "arrived" spiritually because they made a decision to follow faith in the past, leading to a belief that no further, ongoing growth is necessary. This can be compounded by teaching that emphasizes immediate, total security without stressing the need for continued, active faith. Whichever way you look at it, it's dangerous to allow complacency in your faith life selah!

FURTHER READING:

“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.” Rev. 3:15-16.

“At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.” Zech. 1:12.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Father, I recognize that I cannot sustain my own spiritual life. I repent for the times I have taken Your grace for granted or allowed my heart to become lukewarm. Please deliver me from the comfort of spiritual mediocrity and complacency. Ignite in me a fresh passion for Your Word, for prayer, and for fellowship. Give me an insatiable desire to grow in Your grace, and let me not be content with where I am spiritually, but help me to press toward the mark of the high calling. Keep my heart burning for You, and let me never be found to be neither hot nor cold. In Jesus’ name, Amen." 

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Num. 5:1-31.

Num. 6:1-27.

Num. 7:1-81.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“The Greatest Enemy Of The Grace Upon Your Life Is Complacency.”