Text: Proverbs 1:31-33
Memory verse:
”For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them;“
Proverbs 1:32 NKJV
In the early hours of 6th August, 2024, the Ukraine military caught the Russian military completely off-guard by overrunning the meager defenses at the border before advancing and capturing several towns and villages. What brutal humiliation and embarrassment to a much vaunted security state and world power!
Irrespective of any turn of events tomorrow, the incursion has left a lesson for the world. For us as believers, it is a lesson of the danger of complacency. Complacency is a self-satisfaction that comes from one’s ability, power, success, or riches and which makes one to be unaware or unconcerned about potential dangers, defects or the likes. For example, about two weeks before the invasion, when the Russia chief army staff was informed of Ukrainian movements on the border, he dismissed them as implausible. What an overconfidence!
A Bible dictionary defines complacency as a self-satisfied state of negligence or carelessness, especially in relation to one’s personal situation. According to our memory text, ”… the complacency of fools will destroy them;“ (Prov 1:32). The GNT says, “…Stupid people are destroyed by their own lack of concern”.
Complacency is associated with fools. Who are fools? They are also called stupid, naive, brutish, senseless, and simpletons. (Psa 92:6: Luke 12:16-20). Fools don’t acknowledge God in their lives, and they trust in themselves.
It is only a fool who will live carelessly and unconcerned in this wicked world. Complacent people are so overconfident that they throw away all caution. They go anywhere, sleep anywhere, eat anywhere, and do anything. They throw away warnings and instructions from the word of God and seek passionately after other things but God. They are in danger of both physical and spiritual destruction. Complacency blinds from looming danger. “…He was like a bird going into a net–he did not know that his life was in danger.” (Prov 7:23 GNT). The enemy attacks when men sleep and are unaware of dangers around (Matt 13:25).
Friends, only eternity will quantify the beautiful destinies, promising marriages, and vibrant churches that have been captured or ruined by the enemies due to complacency! Arise and cry out for spiritual revival today. You won’t join the list in Jesus’ name.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, deliver me from every complacency and spiritual negligence and revive me today, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, deliver me from foolishness and overconfidence and help me to heed to You, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I am not a fool or a stupid person, but I am wise because I seek daily after God and heed His words.
2. I can’t be a victim of complacency because I am spiritually vigilant, alert, and watchful.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng