“The Danger of Complacency”
When pastoring, I did my best to work with paid and volunteer staff to keep our ministries and services fresh, uplifting, and filled with expectation. Our spiritual lives should be filled with hope, energy, and anticipation as we walk with God in anticipation. Not just anticipating a wonderful worship experience on Sunday but being aware of God’s presence in our daily lives and allowing Him to work within us.
Complacency is a dangerous place to live, and one of Satan’s greatest threats. Complacency is a self-satisfied state of mind that leads to spiritual apathy, laziness, and a lack of vigilance regarding God’s will and often leads to destruction. A complacent life accepts things as they are. “Good enough is good enough.” It doesn’t mean we are doing bad things, but it could mean thinking nothing will improve.
Complacency can affect our spiritual life. We can go through the motions without actually connecting with God. We read the Bible, pray, and go to church because we’re expected to. We can do these things though without any expectations of God showing up and doing something miraculous in our life or the life of another.
My desire today is to make you aware of one of the devil’s traps. We can convince ourselves all is good, when the truth is, our spiritual light is a flicker at most. Last Sunday every believer realized it was “Resurrection Sunday.” The foundation of the Christian faith is that “The tomb is empty, “ Jesus is alive!
Because Jesus rose from the dead, all our sins can be forgiven, our spiritual lives renewed, and hope restored. The chorus of a great song is, “He lives, he lives, - you ask me how I know he lives – He lives, within my heart!”
Don’t settle for less than what God has for you. Don’t let the evil one steal your joy or hope but call out to God. Let Him fill your heart with his Spirit. Ask Him to restore the joy of your salvation. Read the Bible knowing it’s God’s love letter to you and that he is providing you special instructions for the day. Pray knowing every word is heard and anticipate God’s answer – accepting the fact His timing and ways are always better than yours.
Pastor Carnes
