I readily admit to being a grace dependent woman. The very theme of my blog, The Far Reaches of Grace, reveals that. Scripture supports that as well in these two verses.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
Yet, living dependent on grace can lead to complacency. Let me explain. Complacency is described as a feeling of calm with no need to try harder. Some synonyms are smugness, laxity, or laziness. Contentment is listed as a synonym, but contentment, biblically speaking, centers around the peace we gain from trusting in God.
So what’s the difference between grace with complacency, and grace with contentment? Let me take you through some scriptures that contain warnings.
I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.
Revelation 3:15-19 NLT
In this verse, the people are self-satisfied and smug. They don’t see any need to change or improve. God calls them lukewarm and indifferent, and He’s not happy about it. He tells us important information about His love. That correction and discipline are signs that He loves us, and wants what’s best for us.
My child, when the Lord God speaks to you, never take his words lightly, and never be upset when he corrects you. For the Father’s discipline comes only from his passionate love and pleasure for you. Even when it seems like his correction is harsh, it’s still better than any father on earth gives to his child.
Proverbs 3:11-12 TPT
This next verse shows Paul’s frustration with a group of believers.
Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world.
1 Corinthians 3:1-3 NLT
He refers to them as infants in Christ, because they hadn’t progressed from following their own desires to being led by the Spirit. Were they saved? He refers to them as brothers and sisters. He isn’t questioning their salvation, only their lack of growth.
Growth and obedience are an expectation in our Christian discipline, just as meaningful as grace and forgiveness. I see it expressed in this familiar passage:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, 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 for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-134 NIV
Paul presses forward. He knows there are better things ahead; a prize, a higher goal to attain.
Christianity is simple and complex. We love an infinite, perfect God, one who loves us and wants us to know Him. Complacency lulls us into a stagnant mire. I encourage you to keep looking to God’s word, let it challenge you. Each message of discipline and correction is a message of love.
This is a message I will be taking to heart.
Grace & Peace,
Sandy
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The Far Reaches of Grace 