We’ve been navigating through uncharted waters in the past few months. After sheltering in place throughout the spring because of COVID-19, most of us assumed we’d be back to normal by mid- summer or fall, at the latest. Unfortunately, we find ourselves continuing in a perpetual state of uncertainty as many regions struggle to get a handle on slowing the spread of the virus. So, instead of getting ready for fall activities to begin in person, we’re trying to figure out how to navigate school, work, and community online. Staying engaged with church services, small groups, and Bible studies will take effort, tenacity, and creativity.
I know for some of us, it’s tempting to disengage and just wait for life to go back to normal. We’re disappointed to see that Bible study groups are meeting online instead of in person. Some of us are tired of Zoom calls and screens in general. We’ve spent so much time at home that we’re becoming apathetic and complacent, which author Jennie Allen explains, “is finding comfort in mediocrity, in accepting things as they are, clinging to the status quo. It’s numbing and zoning out.”
In case you missed my last four posts, I’ve been working through Jennie Allen’s Get Out of Your Head: A Study in Philippians. The book identifies the primary enemies of our minds and the weapons God gives us to fight them. It’s been powerful using these tools to stop my downward spirals and toxic thoughts. So far, we’ve covered four of the six enemies of our minds: self-importance, noise, cynicism, and isolation. We learned how to fight them with humility, silence, delight, and connection. (Check out my last four posts if you haven’t read them yet.) The fifth enemy of our minds is complacency and the weapon we need to fight it is intentionality.
Jennie Allen explains, “You and I were made to be part of an eternal story centered on the unyielding purpose of our service to an unmatched God. We were meant to live intentionally rather than floating along trying to be comfy.” We have a natural desire for comfort, especially when life is uncertain or in transition. Unfortunately, this often leads us to choose what feels good over what is best for us, causing us to settle into complacency. Maybe you’ve experienced this as you’ve transitioned from one season of life to another like becoming a college student or a parent or an empty nester. (Or figuring out life with the restrictions caused by a pandemic.) When you’re discombobulated trying to acclimate to change, you grasp for anything that makes you feel better. At times like this, it’s easy to put your faith on hold to follow the path of least resistance.
If we’re not intentional about choosing activities and people that will encourage our faith, we’ll be lulled into lukewarm complacency. We’ll be sitting on the sidelines of our lives rather than continuing to grow and pursue God. Jennie Allen explains where this leads, “The questions driving our thought patterns are no longer How will God use me today? And How can I give Jesus to someone? Instead, we’re focused on things like ‘What will make me feel better? What will make me look better? How can I feel okay and content?’” If these questions resonate with you, let this post be a catalyst for change. Engage the weapon of intentionality to fight complacency. Here are a few ideas from Scripture to consider:
-Remember spiritual growth is a journey, not a destination. Your relationship with God will continue to deepen the more you pursue Him and study His Word. Don’t become complacent thinking you’ve arrived at spiritual maturity or that you’ve already learned enough. Scripture is living and active and always has something new and relevant to teach us. Follow Paul’s example from Philippians: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV)
-Take your eyes off yourself. Complacency causes us to float aimlessly in the current of life focusing only on ourselves. Intentionality urges us to look at how we can impact others for the kingdom of God: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4, NIV)
-Be intentional about cultivating relationships with people who will spur you on in your faith journey. Make time in your schedule to meet consistently to check in, share your struggles, pray together, and encourage one another with God’s Word. Give them permission to ask hard questions and to challenge you when you’re slipping into complacency. Joining a small group or Bible study creates natural opportunities to do this with like-minded people. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23-25, NIV)
Life looks different this year for all of us. But don’t let the enemy use COVID-19 to numb you into complacency and cause you to hold off on joining a Bible study, maintaining meaningful contact with other believers, participating in worship services, or finding ways to serve. Be intentional about choosing to plug in and find a rhythm that will allow you to keep growing, serving, and connecting. If you need some ideas, check out the many opportunities available online through CPC Danville. Click here for more information.
Give your fight against complacency lyrics and a tune with Building 429’s song, “Press On.”
Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your Head: A Study in Philippians, Thomas Nelson Press, 2020, p. 88.