The Danger of the Complacent Christian Walk

 May 30, 2024

Thursday

Maybe you have seen it. Maybe it has happened to you. There is someone who either doesn't know the Lord or has been far away from the Lord for some time. But there is something missing so she or he comes to church. She or he hears of Jesus either for the first time or remember the walk she or he had with Him at one time. He or she makes a commitment to Christ and resolves that he or she will come to church and walk with the Lord. Everything seems fine. But what happens next. The euphoria of discovering his or her need for the Lord is gone because He is right there. In other words, the thrill is gone.

So, people in this state may do something they did before coming back to the Lord. They may start drinking again. They may sneak a peak at pornography. They become more irritated with their spouses and start having marital problems again. They may just miss a discipleship meeting or church altogether one week. Then, it happens more and more. If something doesn't happen, this person will be in a worse state then he was before.

Understand, that Satan had this person and lost him or her. But he is also patient. He waits for the dullness that follows those who are not passionately involved in ministry. He waits for those who do not have an accountability group that will notice what is going on and he pounces on the person. He does so subtly for too much might make them repent and become more deeply embedded in the Lord's love. He is ever so smart to destroy this person's witness. Satan makes sure he or she will not have any impact for the Lord.

Satan is seeking to destroy all of God's creation. He hates God so much that he will destroy what he can't have. He is, therefore, claiming all those who have never trusted in Christ and working diligently with his demons to steal the joy and witness of all those who have come to Christ. He is a formidable foe but his end is sure so he is taking as much with him as he can.

God warned Cain after he feels dejected because God did not accept his offering:

Genesis 4:7 (NASB 2020) ⁷ If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.”

Peter would warn in his letter:

1 Peter 5:8 (NASB 2020) ⁸ Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

We shouldn't be surprised. Satan, like a wolf, goes after those who are separate from the flock. That is why it is so necessary to have a small group that knows and cares for you. This group will encourage and correct you when necessary. They will warn you of things you may not see coming.

But be assured, no matter how diligent you are, Satan is still looking to devour you. He just wants to get you away from the One who can kick him to the curb.