What steps can we take to avoid complacency in our spiritual journey? Setting the Scene: Israel’s Lingering at Shiloh Joshua 18 finds seven tribes camped in the very land God had already promised them. Conquest victories lay behind them, yet inheritance territory still lay untouched. Joshua’s challenge pierces the quiet: “ ‘How long will you delay before you go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?’ ” (Joshua 18:3). The warning is clear: delaying obedience breeds complacency. Why Complacency Creeps In • Contentment with partial victory • Fear of new battles ahead • Distraction by everyday routines • Forgetting God’s past faithfulness Left unchecked, these attitudes harden hearts and stall growth (see Proverbs 24:30-34). Biblical Steps to Guard Against Spiritual Drift 1. Remember and rehearse God’s promises • “Then you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) • Post key verses where you see them daily. 2. Conduct regular self-examination • “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Ask: Am I coasting, or pressing on? 3. Fan the flame of first love • “But I have this against you: you have abandoned your first love.” (Revelation 2:4-5) • Recall early zeal, repent of drift, repeat the deeds you did at first. 4. Keep moving in obedient action • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) • Small, daily acts of obedience accumulate into momentum. 5. Set stretch-goals for growth • Paul pressed “toward the goal” (Philippians 3:14). • Choose a new ministry role, memorize a chapter, or share the gospel weekly. 6. Walk with accountable companions • “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Invite someone to ask hard questions; meet regularly. 7. Redeem the time aggressively • “Wake up, O sleeper… redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:14-16) • Schedule prayer and study first, not last. 8. Cultivate holy dissatisfaction • “Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure.” (2 Peter 1:10) • Never settle for yesterday’s victories. Practical Take-Home Ideas • Write a “spiritual action plan” with measurable steps. • Replace 15 minutes of entertainment with Scripture meditation. • Serve in an area that stretches your comfort zone. • Pair up with a mentor or disciple a younger believer. • Track answered prayers to keep God’s faithfulness fresh. Living Joshua 18:3 Today God has already granted every spiritual blessing in Christ. Hesitation only robs us of enjoying what is ours. Step forward, stay alert, and refuse to let complacency camp in hearts that were made for conquest. |
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