One of Our Biggest Threats

I looked in a Bible Encyclopedia to understand the concept of complacency. It said, “Complacency, in a biblical context, refers to a self-satisfied state of mind that leads to a lack of vigilance, spiritual growth, or responsiveness to God's will. It is often characterized by a sense of contentment with one's current spiritual state, which can result in neglecting one's duties and responsibilities before God. The Bible warns against complacency, as it can lead to spiritual stagnation and vulnerability to sin.” This not only describes much of our nation, but it is also quite accurate for many in the Christian Church. I just want to include some Bible passages that point to this self-satisfied state. We read in Zephaniah 1:12, “It will come about at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And I will punish the men Who are stagnant in spirit, Who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good or evil!’ Stagnant faith is destructive faith. It has really fallen when it no longer believes that God is just. Then we read in Deuteronomy 8:14, “...then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” Even after God’s people had been rescued from slavery in Egypt, they still forgot His provisions. Pride is one of those characteristics that cause us to turn our face away from God. In 2 Chronicles 20:33, “The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet directed their hearts to the God of their fathers.” If we are serious about our faith, we should not allow false teachings and idols to have any part of our lives. We cannot serve God and idols. Again in Ezekiel 33:31, “They come to you as people come, and sit before you as My people and hear your words, but they do not do them, for they do the lustful desires expressed by their mouth, and their heart goes after their gain.” Hearing the word of God and not put it into action is not much different than the Devil. He believes in Jesus but does not do what the Word says. Lastly, we read Amos 6:1, “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion And to those who feel secure in the mountain of Samaria, The distinguished men of the foremost of nations, To whom the house of Israel comes.” Renew your faith. Father, help us not to fall into complacency and seek comfort as our highest goal. You and You alone are our hope. Amen