Complacency means satisfied. You could also use the word contentment, self-satisfaction or self-righteous. One definition added, “Especially when coupled with an unawareness of danger, trouble, or controversy.” The complacent person is unaware of the danger that lies ahead. In scripture this word has bad results associated with it. Amos 6:1 “Woe to you who are complacent in Zion, and to you who feel secure on Mount Samaria, you notable men of the foremost nation, to whom the people of Israel come!” Zephaniah 1:12 “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.” These verses have a feeling of security associated with it. I believe what scripture is saying here is watch out because there is no security in complacency. Zephaniah gives us a description of the modern day Christian who says in his heart God will not hold me accountable for going my own way. Deuteronomy 29:19 “When such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself and therefore thinks, “I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way. This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry.” Actually your complacent life will bring an onslaught by the enemy against you. Proverbs 1:32 “For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33 but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” Hebrews 3:10 “That is why I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.”
The Christian who has become content and complacent is no longer on track. This has been the death of many churches. Many churches no longer have the bible as their focal point. They do not teach repentance or getting rid of the old self. Christians no longer read their bible, they do not trust God for their lives, church became something they go to not something they are and the body of Christ is disjointed and dysfunctional. They have become ungodly and therefore have become unchristian. This contentment with the poverty of the spirit has lead to a devastating complacency. Most do not share the good news of the gospel anymore and many churches slowly are fading into obscurity. It is time for us to start feeling uncomfortable with our complacency and ask the Holy Sprit for a renewed sense of passion for His word. Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” This basically means we need a huge kick in the pants. 2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Press on uncomfortably!
