COMPLACENCY: Not an Option!

Are you settling for "good enough"? Complacency is defined as being so satisfied with your current situation that you stop trying. In this blog, C. Atkinson shares a personal journey from 2020 about the dangers of a closed mind and a resistant spirit. Discover why biblical knowledge is the antidote to feeling "stuck" and how to transition from the traditions of men into the purpose-filled life God designed for you.

C. Atkinson

5/9/20243 min read

a close up of a metal door with a sign on it

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” — Hosea 4:6

I want to start by thanking the Lord for you and for everything He is doing in your life. I praise God for another day in the land of the living! I rejoice with confidence, knowing that “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; the One in whom I take refuge” (Psalm 18). He is truly the lover of my soul.

The Mirror of Purpose

God created you and me in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). When you look in the mirror, what do you see? If you don’t see an image reflecting His likeness, then next time you look at yourself, say this: “I am a child of God, called for such a time as this! Created with a God-given purpose for His Glory! Complacency is not an option!”

We must fulfill our purpose here on Earth in the name of Jesus.

The Danger of a Closed Mind

Recently, while studying the Word, I heard the Lord say clearly: “Complacency is not an option.” It was so vivid that I immediately began writing it down. I was reminded of a time in 2020 when I was resistant to having a teachable spirit. I was dwelling in a place of complacency simply because I was unable to accept change.

I was attending a discipleship class, hungry for a deeper understanding of the Word. However, on the first day, I hastily read through the chapters and formulated opinions on topics I didn’t actually understand. I held onto my own logic and the traditions of men rather than seeking the Holy Spirit’s truth.

The Bible warns us that “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,” and Proverbs 14:12 tells us there is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is death. My own flesh almost kept me from receiving the very knowledge I needed to grow.

Turning the Tide

Have you ever felt stuck, like you weren't making any headway? We can all testify to being in that place. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God tells Solomon that if His people will humble themselves, pray, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear from heaven and heal their land.

Often, we feel complacent because we refuse to turn. When we acknowledge the Lord in all our ways (Proverbs 3:5) and take heed to His Word (Psalm 119:9), our minds are renewed. We move from being "stuck" to remembering that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10).

Rejecting the Status Quo

In our focus scripture, Hosea 4:6, the "lack of knowledge" in Israel wasn't because the people hadn't heard of God. It was because they rejected the real knowledge of Him. Their lifestyle didn't align with His Word. They chose their own ways over His, falling into a dangerous state of spiritual complacency.

Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages us to lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily trips us up. We are called to run our race with patience, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

A Prayer for Growth

My prayer is that we take time daily to examine ourselves. We have the Word; let us choose not to reject it, but to accept it wholeheartedly.

ABBA Father, We give You glory and honor! We acknowledge that in this flesh dwells no good thing. You knew us before we were conceived and created us in Your image for Your purpose. We repent of the sins—known and unknown—that have led us into complacency. Lord, let Your Word be a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Open the eyes of our hearts so that we may see Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.