THE DANGER OF COMPLACENCY/AMOS 6
I’m sure, that most of us, have struggled with
complacency at different times in our lives. What led to our
complacency may be as different as we each are. Complacency
is that sense of self-satisfaction that leads to a smug
arrogance. Lest we think that this is no big problem, let us
hear what Amos has to say to those who had become complacent
in his day. Again, there is much here for us to learn.
Let’s consider ...
I) THE FOUNDATION OF COMPLACENCY–Vv.1-6
A) Amos begins this chapter by pronouncing a
"woe" upon his audience. Amos is saying that great
sorrow, grief, and trouble were about to come upon them. He
found them in a state of "ease," or
complacency/self-satisfaction. They were self-satisfied with
their religion, the security of their borders, and their
leaders–"The distinguished men" (v.1).
Those at ease were told to check out the surrounding
territories and kingdoms–Calneh, Hamath, and Gath. As they
were considering those kingdoms, they were asked a couple
questions: "Are you better than these kingdoms, Or is
their territory greater than yours?" (v.2) They
were the big fish in a small pond, but that gave them a
sense of security that proved to be a fatal mirage. Judgment
was coming at the hands of Assyria (v.14), and they
could not stop it according to verse 3.
B) Amos then in verses 4-6 gives some
reasons for their complacency/ease, and coming judgment.
First, they were obsessed with luxury and fine dinning (v.4).
Second, they were "inordinately concerned with
entertainment" (v.5). Third, they over-indulged
themselves with wine (v.6a). Fourth, there was a
tremendous concern for personal vanity (v.6b).
Finally, this all led to hard-heartedness as they were not
even moved by the terrible condition of the nation (v.6c).
C) What should we learn from this? There is a
danger, a very real danger that we have become
self-satisfied. We are content with our religious exercises,
and our personal or national security. We can boast, for the
most part, that our church continues to have her doors open
and folks continue to come. We can boast, for the most part,
that we are safe here in our own little community. In other
words, we can think ourselves better off than many others
for various reasons. Yet, all our blessings could come to an
end in a second, and without warning. What are the results
of such times? We, as Amos’ audience, are obsessed with
luxury and fine dinning. We are entertaining ourselves to
death. We think that everything is about us. And, we are
seemingly oblivious to the dire lost spiritual condition of
our country. This is the bottom-line of complacency, an
inability to see one’s hopeless spiritual condition, and
the judgment that lurks on the horizon. What should we do?
Examine carefully our spiritual condition. Are we falling
more in love with God? Are we desiring to be more pleasing
to Him than self? Are we concerned with the condition of the
lost, and the condition of our country? If so, then keep
your eyes fixed on Jesus, and remain faithful to being His
witness. If not, then repent of your self-satisfied
condition. Ask God to restore to you the joy of His
salvation. Now, let’s consider ...
II) COMPLACENCY’S END–Vv.7-14
A) Amos tells his original audience that their
complacency will end in judgment/exile in verse 7.
God swears by Himself ("Lord Yahweh," "Lord
God of hosts") that He will bring this judgment upon
them because of their arrogance (v.8). As we recall,
this arrogance is also seen in their lack of justice (v.12),
and in their trust in their own strength and military
prowess (v.13). God equates complacency with
arrogance. In verses 9-11, we are given the magnitude
of God’s judgment on the sin of arrogance–death (vv.9-10),
and destruction (v.11). Here’s the point: all of
those who trust in themselves will find themselves under the
extreme judgment of God upon the sin of self-satisfaction.
Let’s listen in to a New Testament application of this
point in Luke 12:13-21.
B) So, the way to change our bent toward
complacency/self-satisfaction is to be "rich toward
God." But, how? Luke 12:31 tells us. We are to
"seek for His kingdom." As it is said in Matthew
6:33, "Seek first His kingdom and His
righteousness." Romans 14:17 adds that "the
kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness
and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Let me
summarize: Self-satisfaction, without reference to what
brings God satisfaction, is the breeding ground of
complacency, and such complacency will bring sure judgment.
God calls such self-satisfaction arrogance. And, we are told
in James 4:6 that "God is opposed to the
proud." The Pharisees were continually confronted by
Jesus about their self-satisfaction with keeping the
externals of the law, yet their hearts were far from God.
But, those who continually seek God and His purposes will
find abundant grace, as James also says that God "gives
grace to the humble." God gives grace to those with a
proper recognition of their condition before a holy
God–sinners without any hope in their efforts to save
themselves, who call out to God to save them in Christ. This
is the only cure for complacency! Have you come to Christ
for the cure? Come today! He stands ready to save you by
faith in Him!
