"Preach the Word,

1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour."

Webster defines complacency as an attitude of ‘unconcern or self-sufficiency’. In theological terms, one who is complacent shows little concern for things of God...or exhibits an attitude of self-sufficiency which shows no real need for God, or no relationship with God.

How in the world could a Christian fall into such a state? It certainly wouldn’t be intentional!? No, when it happens, it happens gradually, unintentionally.

With the rush of schedules, importance of social things (jobs, school, investments, popularity, multiplicity of activities, etc., etc.) a personal relationship with God in, with, and through His Word and prayer... just gradually gets crowded farther aside day by day. What was once important becomes of no importance. What was first, now becomes last.

For God, the relationship He desires to have with us is always His first importance. He has focused His will on that relationship from eternity. He sent His Son to suffer, die, be raised from the dead to reestablish that relationship with Him that was broken by sin in the Garden so many generations ago. His Son now reigns at his right hand to effect that relationship when we are reunited with Him in ressurected flesh at his Second Coming.

J. C. Ryle, in his writings "The Danger of Christian Complacency" states this:

"Mark what I say. If you want to do good in these times, you must throw aside indecision, and take up a distinct, sharply-cut, doctrinal religion. If you believe little, those to whom you try to do good will believe nothing. The victories of Christianity, wherever they have been won, have been won by distinct doctrinal theology; by telling men roundly of Christ's vicarious death and sacrifice; by showing them Christ's substitution on the cross, and His precious blood; by teaching them justification by faith, and bidding them believe on a crucified Savior; by preaching ruin by sin, redemption by Christ, regeneration by the Spirit; by lifting up the brazen serpent; by telling them to look and live-to believe, repent, and be converted. This-this is the only teaching which for centuries God had honored with success, and is honoring at the present day both at home and abroad.

It is doctrine-doctrine, clear, ringing doctrine which, like the ram's horn at Jericho casts down the opposition of the devil and sin. Let us cling to decided doctrinal views, whatever some may please to say in these times, and we shall do well for ourselves, well for others, and well for Christ's cause in the world." Read More Here

For the eternal benefit of his people, God does not react complacently to those who treat a relationship with him complacently. We see God’s concern reflected in the following passages: "And it shall come to pass at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with candles, and punish the men that are settled on their lees: that say in their heart, The Lord will not do good, neither will he do evil." Zeph. 1:12 and also "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!" Amos 6:1

God’s strong reaction to a complacent attitude about a relationship with him is not limited to the Old Testament Scriptures. The book of Revelation also shows God’s keen interest in maintaining a viable strong vibrant relationship between him and his people today. Thus the following warnings are written: "And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Rev. 3:14-16 and also this passage "Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." Rev. 2:1-4

There are many things that can rob a Christian of their service for Christ. We have already said busyness, the quantity of things, seeking material things, multiple activities, etc. But Jesus also lists other items which we must be ‘on guard’ against. Jesus lists the external pressures from society: "But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;" Matt. 10:17. Jesus lists the false doctrine (teaching) in Matt. 16:6 where he says, "Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees." And the Apostle Peter warns in 2 Peter 3:17 "Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness."

So how are we to now walk in the Lord and avoid complancency? It's simple: "Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong." 1 Cor. 16:13