Spiritual complacency is a dangerous spiritual condition. It leaves us vulnerable to the spiritual dangers around us. It leads to apathy and sometimes outright rejection of Christ and his Word.

Lukewarmness
Revelation 3:14-22 is a letter written to the church at Laodicea. It’s claim to fame, according to Christ is that they were “lukewarm.”
Lukewarmness is a spiritual condition that apparently, Jesus can’t stand. Another name for it might be “complacency.” Complacency is not contentment. Where contentment is finding joy in the blessings of walking with God, complacency has stopped walking.
4 Signs of Complacency
Here are 4 potential signs of complacency. I know these aren’t exhaustive, but maybe they will make each of us ask, “am I becoming complacent?”
1. We view ourselves higher than what God determines to be true.
In other words, we think we are doing okay spiritually when in fact, we are not. We compare ourselves with others, or even with our past failures and we sense success. Instead, Scripture encourages us to compare ourselves with the holiness of Jesus. (see Luke 18:10-14)
2. We live in an attitude of self-sufficiency. “I can handle life and what it brings me,” is what we say. Every day, we trust in our own ability to understand, decide and act, believing that constant dependence on God is either a dream or a nightmare. This kind of dependence is not a reality we should experience. (see Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. We are comfortable in the culture in which we live. A disciple of Jesus is never comfortable this side of heaven. When we align ourselves too closely with political philosophies, groups, systems, lifestyles, we stop thinking and evaluating critically and spiritually. If we are too settled, we no longer strive for the Kingdom of God. And then we miss out on what that Kingdom promises. (1 John 2:15-17)
4. We are spiritually satisfied without real spiritual awareness. Jesus saved us, but we don’t understand, or desire life with Him. Our faith is about who gets to go to heaven when they die, whether or not Jesus is there. We live like forgiveness of sin is a one-time transaction, but we don’t live in constant repentance and confession. Our prayers are for shallow, tangible blessings, but not spiritual victories over the forces of darkness. (Ephesians 6:12-18)
What is the danger of complacency? The image above illustrates it clearly. We aren’t paying attention to real spiritual danger. And…
1. We no longer have intimacy with Christ. (Matthew 7:21-23)
2. We are no longer part of His purposes. (John 15:8)
3. We are no longer prepared for the future. And it is coming! (John 5:28-30)
Moving toward a renewed faith
For most of us, we have seasons where complacency seems to take over. Our faith is a little lack-luster. It is something we keep in our back pocket, but don’t hold it in our hands like our lives depend on it.
Have you been complacent? Do you claim the promises of Jesus, but not concern yourself with living in oneness with him?
What have you done to get out of complacency?
Here is a blog I wrote in response to our spiritual complacency. It’s entitled Spiritual Complacency Reversed.
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Thank you for the midweek reminder and recap of your powerful message. I hate the thought of being “lukewarm” and something or someone that Jesus would choose to spit out. I am moved by this and want to get out of this stagnant place that I am in!
This was a wonderful message. I wish that you would have provided scriptures to validate those four signs of complacency.
I agree with your comments. How do we as individuals, or a body of believers, rise above this condition?
This is encouraging. About to write a post on this as well. Bless your heart.
Thank you Shanann. I’m glad it encouraged you. I’d love to see what you write… let me know when it’s ready. And feel free to use anything you read on my posts.
Thank you very much for an such an insightful message.
Please ŕe-check the verse cited in the 4th sign of complacency.
Thank you for opening my eyes to what’s wrong . I have been complacent in my walk with the LORD and I want better. LORD help me!
Correction on the reference aboveaboveabove, instead of 1 Jn.1:15-17 It should read 1Jn.2:15-17.1 Jn 1 has only 10 verses.
Thanks again.
Thank you for your note and for the correction. I pray you find new vitality in your walk with Christ. Blessings.
I love your comments. I just completed a message on this very topic: Are You Plagued by Spiritual Complacency?” And I entered that topic into Google to find images, and I ran across your synopsis, which coincides beautifully with my message! I believe more of us need to share thoughts, such as yours, because complacency is more the norm today, than the exception! May God continue to bless you and your ministry!
Thank you, brother Philip. I’m glad that it confirmed the message the Lord was preparing through you. I pray the Lord used your message to move His people to a more sincere, joyful and sacrificial faith.
Thank you Pastor! You encourage me to “stoke the fire” of my faith. I am grateful that I do not have to tend the fire alone.
Praising the Lord with you that he doesn’t leave us to figure it out alone. Prayers and blessings as the fire of your faith burns bright.