“The remedy for the ‘theology of complacency’ is simple- fall in love with Jesus.”- Ron Luce
In Chapter 4 (The “Theology of Complacency”) of Resilient, Ron Luce asserts that complacency dulls our spiritual senses. As a result, complacency causes us to misunderstand the faith. Most noteworthy, Ron explains, Christ then becomes more enabler than master:
“Jesus did not come to be our therapist. He did no come to just enhance our lives and make them a little bit better! He did not give His life to be an add-on to our lives as if He was something to buy from a late-night infomercial. [Jesus] came to totally revolutionize our lives.”
For this revolution to occur in us, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we must receive Christ. Ron points out that the word translated “received in John 1:12, lambano, essentially means to grab hold of something and never let it go- an active stance. In contrast, the author states, “passive Christianity cannot produce resilient Christians.”
Therefore, complacency need not be your default mode. If necessary, rediscover that God sent His Son for you. Then, passion replaces complacency. As Mr. Luce encourages, “we serve a God [Emmanuel] who wants to be with us.”
So, Ron asks, how do we respond? Ron states that Matthew 13:44 illustrates the response God looks for from us. The man who found treasure hidden in a field sold everything he had in order to buy that field, even though he felt no obligation to do this. Furthermore, the man understood his possessions paled in comparison to the hidden treasure.
As the author concludes, discovering the true treasure involves “getting closer to God and letting His love invade us.”
Today’s question: Have you drifted toward a “theology of complacency” following your ministry downsizing or vocation loss? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Live in God’s love”
