Dear Complacency, 

I’m bored. 

Sincerely, 

A future saint.

Anyone who has met me knows that I am an avid fighter against apathy and has probably heard me rant about it on more than one occasion. I figured it was time that I put it in writing. 

First, let’s define complacency/apathy. The definitions I came across via Google are as follows: 

“self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies” (Webster)

“prevents you from trying harder”

“unaware of defect”

OKAY. Wow. I think we all gain a little bit of humility as we relate in some way or form with those definitions. Complacency often weighs us down to a type of stagnation—an avoidance of growth or newness. This goes totally against the reality that I am made for NEW miracles. There is something specific in me that this world desperately needs and I do not want to deprive the world of that.

We are not here to become walking dead people (aka zombies)—a person that likes Jesus and kind of wants to be a saint but never does anything with that. Zombies? According, to the Webster Dictionary: “dead” 1. deprived of life. 2. lacking power to move, feel, or respond: numb. This is complacency. We conform to complacent thinking when we stop asking for more. 

What are we afraid of? Why am I holding back? How do I conquer complacency?

I believe there are 4 main areas in our life that we consent to complacency: 1) healing 2) sanctity 3) friendships/relationships 4) entertainment

Am I complacent about my healing?

Too many times have we settled and decided for ourselves “how healed we can be” whether that it physically, mentally, or spiritually. We believe this is as good as it’s going to get—might as well stop asking for more. The blind man did not ask Jesus for one eye to be healed (Mark 8:22-26). We want FULL VISION. Our woundedness obscures and distorts our perspective of Christ and the world around us. 

Let’s take this a step further with our bodies. We are called to steward our bodies as Christ’s own body (this means balance in our eating, exercise, and choosing rest). Ask God, “How do you need YOUR body taken care of today?” If we get too confident that our body is solely for our benefit we either do damage or become prideful—both which abuse us. I will write another article on that. 

Finally, Counseling is the MVP. When we are proactive and let God work through those who are given the gifts and sources to minister to us in that capacity—an ABUNDANCE is given to us. Go seek restoration and I promise you will reap a bounty. 

Am I complacent about sanctity?

In what areas in my life have I stopped striving and why? Typically, that is due to fear, doubt, or a wound. Perhaps I am afraid I will be disappointed or I am afraid of suffering. Maybe I doubt that the Lord will actually fight for me. Almost all fears and doubts are rooted in some sort of past wound. As you discover the root and seek healing with that, invite God in the process by asking: What is one daily commitment I can make to God? (Ex: add 15-minutes to your prayer life—whether that’s an addition to your Holy Hour or a prayer life that is non-existent—take baby steps.)

Am I complacent about my friendships?

Am I putting myself in situations with people that cause me to forget my calling? Am I intentional in cultivating my current friendships? Are these people who remind me that I am destined for eternal life? If not, I would challenge you, dear sister, to slowly detach yourself from relationships and friendships that leave you in stagnation. We are called as the Body of Christ to call each other higher (in love—with sincere gentleness and conviction). Hard conversations like this require the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so ask for the grace and courage to call out your fellow members of Christ’s Body!

Am I complacent about the social media/movies/music I invest in?

This one is HARD. It is so easy to turn a blind eye and consent to whatever is presented to us. I invite you to ask for the grace to develop a new sensitivity. We need to set the standard. Am I going to settle for “Well this isn’t a major sin…” or “This isn’t entirely a sin…but it’s also not the best thing for me.” Use the model: “Does this call me higher or let my mind wander back to sin?” 

Addiction to social media is too stinkin real. Try making a select period of time every day or a whole day once a week that you will not check on social media. We need to give ourselves the opportunity to SEE and remember the reality of the supernatural. What if God has just been hanging out at your front door but you’ve been on social media so you cannot go the epic extravaganza He has planned: healing people, moving mountains, speaking BODLY to those who have lost hope—these are the kind of things you are made for.

I am tired of the stagnation—to simply go through the motions of the spiritual life. Dear sister, get excited. Speak out against apathy when you seek it. Call it out in yourself when you push the “snooze” button again on your prayer life, friendships, healing, and entertainment. We are not called to be ignorant to the battle we are caught up in—“For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). 

Go forth boldly. Ask the Lord for more—with eyes wide open.