“Breaking Free from the Bonds of Complacency” A Journey to a Life of Purpose and Fulfillment

By Michael Rogers

With this month’s issue focusing on homes, it got me thinking about how homeowners can become complacent with their own homes. At first, the excitement of a new home keeps their attention on every part and if anything goes wrong, it is promptly fixed. However, after the excitement fades, complacency creeps in and the house is filled with moans from the shocking estimate from a local contractor.

In the life of a Christian, complacency can produce its own moanlike sounds. The realization that the guidance received from the bible and Godly mentors has been disregarded and the dullness of complacency has settled deeply into our bones and clouded our minds.

Proverbs instructs us that the complacency of fools leads to destruction. By letting down our guard and yielding to complacency, we risk making foolish decisions, many of which have occurred after the COVID-19 pandemic. Church attendance is still below its pre-pandemic levels. The complacency of not attending easily takes root, and the significance fades from our vision of the spiritual blessings of being faithful to our local church. Complacency can drain the fervor of our prayer life, weaken relationships with those around us, and cause hypocrisy to seep in. It can lead to a decrease in abhorrence of evil, a stall in pursuing good things, a decline in affection toward others, a lack of diligence, rejoicing, patience, and concern for the needs of others.

Paul exhorted the Romans to conform to these actions in Romans 12-9-13.

Romans 12:9-13. Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient[a] in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.

In my struggles against complacency, I have discovered that at times it can become so ingrained that I feel like I am in a deep pit and mustering the energy and determination to climb out ap- pears insurmountable. I have also experienced it enough to understand that it can impact every aspect of life, including our marriages, relationships with our children, careers, and health.

In the context of marriage, complacency can lead us to take our spouse for granted, owing to our self-centered and indifferent state of mind. It can also result in neglecting our children and being lazy in our work. I have observed that my relationship with God is reflected in all of my other relationships. Therefore, I strive to avoid complacency and maintain a meaningful relationship with God, so that I can find peace in every aspect of my life.

I find it immensely joyful that whenever I am mired in the pit of complacency, God is always there to assist me. He effortlessly pulls me out of the depths, forgives me, and fully restores me. When the joy of one’s salvation is reinstated and God starts using them once again, it is a thrilling blessing.The rewards are countless.

If the rich young ruler had not been blinded by his materialistic possessions, he would have experienced a level of fulfillment and joy beyond his wildest dreams. However, he was too complacent with the worldly possessions and that was his downfall. This serves as evidence that the more we accumulate, the harder it becomes to relinquish everything.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience spiritual renewal and growth in our lives. Jesus came to save us from our sins and offer us a new life in Him. By putting our faith in Jesus, we undergo a transformation from the inside out and are empowered to live a life of significance and purpose. When God bestows us with talents, like the master in Matthew 25, we should use them for His glory, so that when our Master returns one day, He will be pleased with our faithfulness.

The gospel saves us and brings us peace with God, and is continually growing us into a deeper relationship with Jesus. May your relationship be far from complacency and become more focused on pleasing God and loving your Family.