Sometimes I think it is very easy for the christian to become to comfortable with the way things are going in their lives on not just a personal level but on a spiritual level also.
I also believe that during these times when we become so comfortable with the way things are that we give Satan the means to sew discord amongst us. As I see it the christian should never be satisfied with the amount they do to proclaim the Good News that has been so lovingly and freely given to us. Every Sunday we take time to remember the great sacrifice made by Christ our Savior on the cross that we might have forgiveness of our sins but, do we carry that same thought with us throughout the week?
Now I can't speak for anyone other than myself and I know that I sometimes get so bogged down with the daily struggles of life that I fall very short of the goal I wish to attain. However, I also know that I can take all my shortcomings to God at any time repent of any sin and receive forgiveness. But what good will it do me if fall right back into the same complacent attitude and way of living.
We should take heed of John's writing in Revelations to the churches.
Rev 3:13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Rev 3:14 And to the angel of the church of the Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Head of the creation of God, says these things:
Rev 3:15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would that you were cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
It is very easy as American's and also as christian's with all that we have, not to become used to the good life. It is also my belief that just as God allowed Satan to take all Job had that he also lets Satan tempt us in the same manner though maybe not as severe. When we as a congregation or as an individual start thinking we have it made and all is well it gives Satan the chance to work his destructive will among us. Peter warned us all….
1Pe_5:8 Be sensible and vigilant, because your adversary the Devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking someone he may devour;
I think sometimes we fall into this trap because christians know they are saved and are assured a home in heaven as long as we follow the will of God to the best of our ability. However, this doesn't give us the right nor the permission to sit back and wait for our end to come and thus I think God nudges us by allowing Satan to work his deceptive will among us and in our lives.
Over the years have have seen people and churches torn apart because when things go amiss rather than working it out in truth and love it gets swept under the rug so to speak because we just want the problem to go away or we separate ourselves from our brothers and sisters or worse yet walk away from God altogether.
We get all wound up in this church does this and that church does that or you believe this I believe that. I am of the belief this is why each church is autonomous and accountable for its actions. When we become so comfortable with the way things are going or being done it is then that just a little turmoil can do the most damage.
Now here is the real rub, when we fail to handle whatever challenge may confront us individually or as a whole in a scriptural manner then we err. We are very fond of preaching to others to do bible things in bible ways but we often fail to do so ourselves and thus we open the door to decent among ourselves which leads to unnecessary hurt and pain to all involved.
Now you are asking what this has to do with being complacent? My friends it has a lot to do with it, for if we are diligent and always working for the good of one another when these challenges arise we are better prepared to handle them in a manner pleasing to God.
There is not a christian walking the face of this earth that is perfect and that does not commit sin. There are no people saved or lost that agree on everything. God does not want robots but he does want all to strive to do good one to another and to spread the good news that there is a Christ and He died that we may live.
Rom 3:23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
Rom 3:24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;
Rom 3:25 whom God has set forth to be a propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness through the passing by of the sins that had taken place before, in the forbearance of God;
Rom 3:26 for the display of His righteousness at this time, for Him to be just and, forgiving the one being of the faith of Jesus.
Our job is to take the gospel out of our buildings and into the world for others to hear and believe. When we become complacent and allow whatever challenges we face to place a stumbling block in front of that effort again we err.
We need to seek to find the balance between what we do and what we say and always strive to make sure both are right in the eyes of God.
Col_3:17 And everything, whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
I believe that if christians will seek to have the attitude Saul/Paul had after his encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus and allow the spirit of God to guide and direct us in the things we do, that no matter what challenge arises we can face it in the spirit of love and in a proper manner.
Act 9:20 And immediately he proclaimed Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.
Act 9:21 But all who heard him were amazed and said, Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and came here for that reason, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?
Act 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this One is the Christ.
We can't allow complacency to creep in an get a foothold on us or the church. We must be willing to work together in a spirit of love going boldly into the world with God's word.
May God Bless you always
J.F. Miller
