A Newsletter of Biblically Balanced Ministries, Inc.
Contentment or
Complacency (February 1999)
Recently attending a pastors fellowship I was disturbed at the discussion. Summarizing and perhaps reading a little into the discussion the conclusion was
"It's O.K. to be complacent in a ministry that is going
nowhere!" Complacency is not only characteristic in pastors but in a significant number of church members. I do not mean to be critical or judgmental but share this as a burden for churches to impact their community for Christ. The conclusion is not mine alone but others in itinerant types of ministries have shared the same concern and burden.
Paul did say, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be
content" (Philippians 4:11). He also said, "I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are
ahead" (Philippians 3:12-13). The contentment was in circumstances not a complacency in ministry.
Contentment is a commendable quality,
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain" (1 Timothy 6:6). The context of this quality is in relation to circumstances beyond one's control. Learning to live in and trust God in changing situations of life is a manifestation of godliness. Discontentment with the place and position God has placed us in is actually a distrust in God's faithfulness and promises. Thus, we are to be content regardless of he circumstances because we trust God and His word. He has promised
"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Personally God has proved this in our lives during the last few years in numerous ways. He is faithful, we can be content.
Complacency is not contentment! Often we confuse being content with being complacent. Webster's Dictionary defines complacency as "Satisfaction with ones self...smugly self satisfied." Note the difference, in contentment we are satisfied with God's control of our lives and in complacency the focus is on ourselves. The scriptures encourage us to continually be "reaching forward." First in our relationship to the Lord and then also in serving Him.
One of my concerns is that it appears many leaders and church members have become complacent with the lack of growth and movement in the local church. BBM was established to encourage pastors and churches in developing "Mission Statements and Vision Strategies" for churches. A disappointment in the development of this ministry has been the complacency that appears evident in both church leaders and members. One of the premises of BBM has been
"The greatest omission in the balanced ministry of churches is
evangelism." The disturbing reality is that many have become complacent about the lack of evangelism and even defensive of not reaching the lost.
The complacency, unfortunately, is often the result of a church membership who are unwilling to face the challenge of reaching the lost. Sometimes it is the pastor who has lost the vision to lead a congregation in effective ministry and evangelism.
The Challenge is we need to be content with our position but not complacent in ministry, "reaching forward." Pray, with me, for fellow pastors and churches to overcome the complacency that so easily effects us.
"For this reason I bow on my knees...that He would grant [us]...to be strengthened...Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church..." (Eph. 3:14-21).
by Gary R. Becker, President
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