Articles
Are You Complacent?
I recently heard the word “complacent” being used regarding the race issue and it made me
look up the definition. The definition of complacent is “showing smug or uncritical satisfaction
with oneself or one's achievements.” As a Christian this attitude can be very dangerous as it leads
to us being careless, slack, and lazy in our own walk with God.
In the Old Testament, the prophet Zephaniah is sent to warn of God’s coming judgement on
Israel. They had become complacent about the evil in their midst, thinking that God wouldn’t do
anything about it. “At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps and punish those who are
complacent, who are like wine left on its dregs, who think, ‘The Lord will do nothing, either good
or bad’” (Jeremiah 1:12).
Our being self-satisfied, thinking that we are better than those around us, or that what I’m
doing is okay because I have time later in life to change, are just some of the traps Satan lays for
us. God wants us to be diligent and hardworking, growing in our faith and talents, and serving
Him in all that we do.
In a familiar New Testament passage a congregation is warned about being complacent. “To
the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true
witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish
you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm —neither hot nor cold—I am
about to spit you out of My mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a
thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you
to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so
you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see”
(Revelation 3:14-18). Keep God first and grow! ~ Brad Tolbert
