The Danger of Complacency

I have read most everything that I'm aware C. S. Lewis has ever written. I'm impressed because this former atheist converted himself to Christianity by trying to argue against it. His good friend, J. R. R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit series, oftentimes debated with him in private while Lewis was a professor at Oxford. Lewis started studying the Bible in an effort to disprove it and wound up believing what he read. That little intro has nothing whatsoever to do with the post I'm about to write except to give you a some background on C. S. Lewis. I will be using excerpts from his writings in this post.

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of complacence is, "satisfaction, esp. self-satisfaction." Complacence should not be confused with contentment. My own personal definition of complacence is, "a laziness borne of apathy; a satisfaction with the mediocrity of the status quo." I guess you can tell I'm peevish about it because I find it so boring!

Consider these excerpts from some of the writings of C. S. Lewis:

"We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst."

"XII. My Dear Wormwood, ...for this reason I am almost glad to hear that he is still a churchgoer and communicant. I know there are dangers in this; but anything is better than that he should realize the break he has made with the first months of his Christian life. As long as he retains externally the habits of a Christian he can still be made to think of himself as one who has adopted a few new friends and amusements but whose spiritual state is much the same as it was six weeks ago. And while he thinks that, we do not have to contend with the explicit repentance of a definite, fully recognized sin, but only with his vague, though uneasy feeling that he hasn't been doing very well lately... If such a feeling is allowed to live, but not allowed to become irresistable and flower into real repentance, it has one invaluable tendency. It increases the patient's reluctance to think about the enemy (God, emphasis mine) ... They hate every idea that surrounds him... In this state your patient will not omit, but he will increasingly dislike his religious duties. He will think about them as little as he feels he decently can beforehand, and forget them as soon as possible when they're over... You can make him do nothing for long periods... Indeed, the safest road to Hell is the gradual one--the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts... Your Affectionate Uncle, Screwtape" ~ C. S. Lewis in The Screwtape Letters

If you've never read the writings of C. S. Lewis, I highly recommend that you add him to your reading list.

Now, back to the subject at hand: What causes some of us to neglect worship services? Some may have a job with a heathen boss that makes them work on Sundays at the risk of being fired. I think God will understand that situation; but I don't think He'll understand if a person voluntarily works rather than attend church because she wants to make double-time. That's just one hypothetical example of countless other reasons people may choose not to attend worship.

Some people grow weary of keeping up the Christian lifestyle. They'll drop off gradually at first, then as time goes on, their conscience is no longer wounded by it and they become like those Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24: 12-13 regarding the destruction of Jerusalem; and later in verses 36-42 regarding the destruction of the world. Finally, in verses 45-51 of that chapter, Jesus describes the diligent servant who is ever aware that his master can return at any time (see also Rev. 3: 14-22).

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25: 1-3 illustrates that we are to always be in a state of readiness for the Lord's arrival. That doesn't mean we're to sell all our possessions, quit our jobs, buy white robes, and wait for Him on some mountain top. No, it's a state of inward readiness; being reconciled to God as the need arises knowing that we can be called home anytime. I might not make it to work and back alive today. I should always be ready to meet Him.

Many people are led away from an active Christian life by deceptive spirits (1 Tim. 4: 1, 15-16; and 2 Pet. 2: 20-22). Deceptive spirits can come in the form of supposed friends, so beware.

Some simply give up because they think obedience and commitment to the Lord are too onerous (Rom. 3: 24-25; 5: 1, 2, 8; 6: 11-12; 8: 5-8; Mt. 7: 13-14). The prior passages also tell us that there is no such thing as a perfect person. Don't let a legalistic influence cloud your understanding of your freedoms in Christ (Phil. 3: 12-14). Be sure to exercise temperance and good judgment in matters of opinion (Romans 14).

We need to stop viewing Christianity as a religion. I prefer to call it a total life system. We are to go about our daily lives and make the most of every one, as long as we seek first the kingdom (Mt. 6: 33). Never turn down an opportunity to do the right thing and you'll never have to live with regret (Gal. 6: 9-10; 1 Tim. 6: 17-19).

Love Ya,
God Bless!