Complacence, often understood as a self-satisfied state of unawareness or inaction, is a condition warned against in the Bible. It is characterized by a lack of vigilance and a false sense of security, which can lead to spiritual stagnation and moral decline. The Scriptures provide numerous examples and teachings that caution believers against falling into complacency.

Biblical Warnings Against Complacence

The Bible frequently warns against the dangers of complacence, particularly in the context of spiritual life and moral conduct. In the Old Testament, the prophet Amos addresses the complacency of the Israelites, who were at ease in Zion and felt secure in their prosperity. Amos 6:1 states, "Woe to those at ease in Zion and to those secure on Mount Samaria, the distinguished ones of the foremost nation, to whom the house of Israel comes."

Similarly, the book of Proverbs highlights the peril of complacency, associating it with folly and destruction. Proverbs 1:32 declares, "For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them." This verse underscores the idea that complacency can lead to spiritual and moral ruin.

Complacence in the New Testament

In the New Testament, Jesus warns against complacency in His teachings and parables. The Parable of the Ten Virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness. The five foolish virgins, who failed to bring extra oil for their lamps, represent those who become complacent and are unprepared for the coming of the bridegroom, symbolizing Christ's return.

The church in Laodicea, addressed in Revelation 3:14-22, is another example of complacency. The Laodiceans are described as "lukewarm," neither hot nor cold, and are rebuked for their self-satisfaction and spiritual blindness. Revelation 3:17 states, "You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing,’ but you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked."

Spiritual Vigilance and the Call to Action

The Bible calls believers to remain vigilant and active in their faith, avoiding the pitfalls of complacency. In 1 Peter 5:8 , Christians are urged to "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." This exhortation emphasizes the need for constant awareness and readiness to resist spiritual threats.

The Apostle Paul also encourages believers to pursue spiritual growth and maturity, warning against complacency in their walk with Christ. In Philippians 3:12-14 , Paul writes, "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been perfected, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, 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 of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not use the term "complacence" explicitly, the concept is woven throughout its teachings, urging believers to remain diligent, watchful, and active in their faith. The dangers of complacency are clear, and the call to spiritual vigilance is a recurring theme, encouraging Christians to pursue a vibrant and committed relationship with God.(n.) Complacency; smug self-satisfaction resulting in an unawareness of possible danger or problems.

Shewing Wherein all Saving Grace Does Summarily Consist"
... (Love is commonly distinguished into a love of complacence and love of
benevolence. Of these two a love of complacence is first, and ...
/.../edwards/treatise on grace/shewing wherein all saving grace.htm

Messiah's Entrance into Jerusalem
... Yet this great little creature would surely be mortified, if, in the height of his
self-complacence, he could consider, that he had the very same regard for a ...
/.../newton/messiah vol 1/sermon xi messiahs entrance into.htm

The Glory of the Goal, --Face to Face
... You begin to wonder at the strange self-confidence and self-complacence that have
been so common even in your holiest moments and experiences. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/the glory of the goalface.htm

The Necessity of Self-Abasement
... Such his folly"proved, at last. By the loss of that repose,. Self-complacence cannot
taste,. Only love divine bestows. 'Tis by this reproof severe,. ...
/.../the necessity of self-abasement.htm

Love is the Root of all Other Passions. ...
... both external and internal, and that which both begets and sets on work all other
passions, is only love"that is, an internal complacence and inclination to ...
/.../chapter ii love is the.htm

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
... I. The too lightly uttered vow. There is a certain almost jaunty air of
self-complacence about the man and his facile promise. What ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture a/christ repressing rash discipleship.htm

A Call to Praise.
... Lord, who made us, ascend; Let each grateful heart be glad in its King; The God
whom we worship our songs will attend, And view with complacence the offering ...
//christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/162 a call to.htm

How Internal Exercises are to be Practised in Times Improper and ...
... office which at first was undertaken out of obedience to God and superiors, comes
afterward to be executed for self-will and sensual complacence, after that ...
/.../chapter iv how internal exercises.htm

I Know Thy Works
... And yet the two great marks of Laodicean religion, lukewarmness, and its natural
accompaniment, self-complacence, may rob them of their worth. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/working for god/xxx i know thy works.htm

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... This delight that the Father and the Son have in each other is not to be distinguished
from their love of complacence one in another, wherein love does most ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm

Complacence (1 Occurrence)
... (n.) Complacency; smug self-satisfaction resulting in an unawareness of possible
danger or problems. Multi-Version Concordance Complacence (1 Occurrence). ...
/c/complacence.htm - 6k

Complacency (2 Occurrences)

/c/complacency.htm - 7k

Compile (1 Occurrence)

/c/compile.htm - 7k

Complacence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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