WATCHING OUT FOR COMPLACENCY

Even though it’s summer and the weather allows for many people to do things outdoors there are increasing sounds from doctors about the latest Omicron variants and the surge in cases that is happening around the world.  The greatest majority of people are not wearing masks or social distancing.  There seems to be a general sense of complacency and I wonder what impact it will have going forward.

It had me thinking about this whole concept of complacency.  One description of a complacent person said this, “A complacent person is very pleased with themselves or feels that they do not need to do anything about a situation, even though the situation may be uncertain or dangerous.”

When it comes to those recovering from addictions we’ve all seen the signs of complacency that were in the path of so many prior to a relapse.  People think they are doing okay so don’t continue to do the things that got them sober in the first place.  It becomes more important to make money, or be involved in fun activities than to take time for meetings or meditation or checking in with responsible folks like sponsors or mentors.

And it’s not just those who are recovering from addictions who suffer from complacency is it?  Who of us in our walk with God can’t notice complacency sneaking in as we hit the snooze button one more time rather than spending time with God, or just get on with dealing with a situation rather than seeing what God knows would work best.

We think we’re doing okay and have been doing fine so a little slacking off now for a bit is probably something we might even feel we’ve earned.  We're feeling okay. But, it's at this time that we are most vulnerable to problems.  The Bible says:

Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools.

Proverbs 1:32

They have lost all feeling for what is right.  So they have given themselves over to all kinds of evil pleasures.  They take part in every kind of unclean act.  And they are full of greed. 

Ephesians 4:19

Heavenly Father, we want to live well with You and with others today.  Help us to take whatever time is needed today to take an honest inventory of where we’re at.  If necessary, give us courage to check in with someone who can speak the truth to us, whether it is convenient or not.

You’ve warned us in Your Word to  

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

1 Peter 5:8

And so we remind ourselves that we need you today just like we needed You when we were desperate and turned to You for rescue and saving.  Forgive us for our slide into complacency whether it is has been a one-step slide or a whole series of slips over a period of time.  Help us to reestablish our personal relationship with You so we are conscious of Your Will, wanting to know and do Your will, and trusting You to fill us with strength to carry it out today. Amen