Complacency is a feeling of contentment and satisfaction. While God has given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, we must bear in mind that Jesus is the rewarder of those who diligently (not complacently) seek Him. I don’t want to belabor you this week with a lot of spiritual mumbo-jumbo, but I want you to honestly ask yourself if you are spiritually satisfied. To put it another way, are you more concerned about your spiritual condition than your transitory life and goals?
We see in Scripture the principle of conquest. For example, God told Israel that they would be given every inch of land where their feet trod. What a promise! But how sad is the fact that they didn’t inherit all the land. Rather than drive out all of the inhabitants, they chose to peacefully coexist with them. Thus instead of receiving their full inheritance (akin to the abundant life in the Spirit promised by Jesus: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.), they experienced great difficulties in their walk. (See why in Numbers 33:55,56.)
Why are we so content living in conditions of spiritual stagnation and erosion? How can we ever believe that we’ve pressed enough? What do you think is the difference between the victorious Christian life and the nominal Christian life? I believe it’s that Caleb-like attitude of wholly following the Lord. I’m not talking about being perfect or without fault. Rather, I am talking about the driving desire of your life. Is it to know Jesus more? That’s the key to victory, walking in fellowship with Jesus. I can never give enough to Jesus. He’s been so wonderful to me!
Have you reached your spiritual plateau? Have you settled in spiritually? Have you said, in essence, Lord, I choose to go no further? Have you settled into a once-a-week diet at your local church? Are you content with minutes of devotions, Bible study, prayer? Or does your soul pant after your Lord? The enemy can never take away your salvation, but if he can wear you down to the point where you become complacent, he’s achieved his goal.
Be like Joshua today and ask Jesus, What saith my Lord unto His servant? Follow Paul’s example and ask, Lord, what do You want me to do? The church of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom would be much more effective if we were more in danger of burning out than rusting out.
Older song came to mind when reading this….
Wonderful, wonderful,
Jesus is to me,
counselor, mighty God,
Prince of peace is He.
Saving me, keeping me
from all sin and shame,
Wonderful is my Redeemer.
Praise His Name.
The complacent or lukewarm church of Laodicea was strongly rebuked by Jesus for a reason. He wished they weren’t that way and stated He would vomit/spit them out.
Sadly, many people today as in Laodicea stick their timecards at church during holidays or Sundays as a check-in, leaving to continue their earthly lives away from Jesus. Complacency, being absorbed in worldly things, lacking time and service to The Great I Am is present today to a greater extent than two thousand years ago.
Lord, give us the focus and conviction to serve You instead of today’s earthly pastimes.