Devotional 03-06-2022

Consider Your Ways: Recognizing Complacency

There are few obstacles to spiritual growth that are as destructive and debilitating as complacency. Such is emphasized so strongly in Scripture that Proverbs 1:32 explicitly states its destructive nature and Revelation 3:15-16 reveal Christ's repulsion towards it. As the Scriptures reveal, complacency has recognizable consequences that can be identified in our lives, including:

A deteriorating passion. In Revelation 3:15-17, the Laodicean church was condemned for their apathy towards the ministry and their relationship with God. Likewise, complacency can produce a similar attitude within us that diminishes our passion for serving and communing with God. Thankfully, we can recover from and defend ourselves against these consequences by wholeheartedly seeking God through prayer and Bible study.
A poor understanding of God's will. In Zephaniah 1:12, God was strongly displeased with the Israelites, who had become complacent and were speaking ignorantly of His will. Likewise, when our focus complacently falls away from God, our awareness of His will for our lives diminishes. Again, frequent, wholehearted Bible study and prayer are our best defenses against this spiritual ignorance.
A reliance on self. Revelation 3:17 reveals that in their complacency, the Laodicean church members placed their security in their material wealth. However, as they lost sight of their spiritual poverty, so can we place ourselves in danger when we complacently place our faith in our own strength, wisdom, or possessions. Thus, we can avoid this prideful attitude by daily placing our dependence on the Holy Spirit for His perfect power, guidance, and peace.
A focus on the cares of this life. In Luke 9:24-25, Jesus warns of the severe spiritual consequences of prioritizing worldly success over spiritual growth. Complacency often results from this and other pursuits that elevate the cares and desires of this world over serving and communing with God. Fortunately, avoiding these vain chases is possible by daily asking God to replace our desires with His.
A loss of opportunities. The parable in Matthew 25:14-30 showcases a complacent servant who displeased his master by forfeiting an opportunity to serve him. Likewise, complacently can cause us to lose sight of God's blessings, waste time with laziness or distractions, and miss opportunities to serve God and improve our talents. Thus, maintaining our awareness of God's will and opportunities is crucial to overcoming complacency.

From the apathetic Laodiceans in Revelation to the wicked servant in Christ's parable, the destructive nature of complacency is clearly demonstrated throughout the Old and New Testaments. This destruction is most clear when we recognize a fading passion for God, a diminishing understanding of His will, increased self-reliance, a growing focus on this life, and missed spiritual opportunities. Fortunately, our recovery and defense can be found in wholeheartedly surrendering our lives to God, studying His Word, seeking His will and desires through prayer, and depending on the Holy Spirit's providence.

Return to the Devotionals page.