I mentioned to a friend not long ago that it appears the conflicts in the Middle East are increasing and intensifying.  Her response was that the violence in that region is nothing new—things have always been like this.  After the activity in Syria, Israel, and involving Iran recently, and now with the U.S. embassy in Israel relocating to Jerusalem and the accompanying violence that the move has triggered, it is a little difficult to not acknowledge the increasing aggressiveness of these nations.  Not being there, though, can separate us from the intensity of the situation.

As I’ve thought about what to write in this post, how to express my heart (which is what this blog is about), I read a statement on social media by a ministry leader that speaks to the essence of my concern:

“I tend to post dramatic photos and stories of how I see it first hand because it often takes stirring, moving photos and heart wrenching stories to get Americans impacted enough for prayer and support outcomes.”  – Victor Marx, All things Possible Ministries 

I’m not sure what it is in the minds of other people that causes them to separate from what is going on throughout this nation or the world—and sometimes in our own communities—but for my part, it has to do with relevance to my day to day life, my own personal concerns and family circumstances, and feeling restricted in my ability to do anything about larger or global affairs.  However, I cannot even begin to understand our alienation from “the bigger picture” without recognizing that “the rulers, …the authorities, …the cosmic powers over this present darkness, …the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly [unseen realm] places” (Ephesians 6:12) seek to affect our thoughts and attitudes, focusing us more on ourselves and our limitations than the needs of others.

The Old Testament prophet, Zephaniah, spoke the word of God to the people of Judah during king Josiah’s reign.  He warned against complacency in the midst rebellion, idolatry, unbelief, and distance from God—and he warned against the coming “day of the Lord.”  Although he spoke of the coming destruction and captivity by the Babylonians, there is also an intimation of a distant day of the Lord.

“At that time, I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are complacent, those who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will he do ill.’” (Zephaniah 1:12)

The definition of “complacent” describes a dangerous place for Christians to dwell: “pleased, especially with oneself or one’s merits, advantages, situation, often without awareness of some potential danger or defect; self-satisfied.”  This is different than contentment, which is, “satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.”  The apostle Paul wrote this to his son in the faith, Timothy: “Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8)

However, here are some things he communicated about the attitudes reflected in complacency: “Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12)

“Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.  For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)

And the apostle John, in speaking to the seven churches, admonishes:  To the church at Ephesus, he wrote, “…I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.  Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first…” (Revelation 3:4, 5).  And he wrote to the church at Laodicea, “…I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot.  Would that you were either cold or hot!  So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.  For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked…” (Revelation 3:15-17).

I think our position on the “complacency continuum” can be determined by our relationship with Jesus, manifested in our prayer life and our relationship with God’s Word, the Bible.  It is also evidenced by our concern and care for the “least of these.”  Do we believe in the power of prayer and God’s listening ear to the point that we are praying for peace in Jerusalem, praying for the leaders of the country and region in which we live, and Israel, and interceding for lost friends and family?  Do we trust God enough to commit our ways unto Him, allowing Him to direct our paths—not leaning on our own understanding?  Do we turn away or turn towards the stories and pictures of those who are broken and suffering, or avert our eyes from the broken and suffering ones in our own communities?

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit will wake me up and wake up Christ’s Church, that we will be able to recognize callousness and complacency in our lives and repent.  I pray that we will hunger and thirst after righteousness, putting on the mantle of compassion, taking up the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God), and praying “at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication…. [Keeping] alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints…” (Ephesians 6:18).

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you?  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”