Overcoming Complacency to Soar in Faith

At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.” This mission calls us to live lives that are dynamic and transformative, continually growing in our faith and love. However, as Jim’s sermon highlights, there is a danger in becoming complacent, in settling for comfort rather than striving for growth.

The Danger of the Barnyard

The metaphor of the barnyard is a powerful illustration of the danger of complacency. In the barnyard, we are comfortable, well-fed, and safe. But if we stay too long, we risk losing our ability to soar. As Paul writes to the Thessalonians, he is excited about their faith but warns them that a good start does not make up for a lousy finish. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.”

The Call to Motion

To overcome complacency, we must be in motion. Just as a bucket of water stays full when spun around, our faith remains vibrant when we are actively engaged in our walk with Christ. This means continually seeking opportunities to grow, serve, and share our faith. Hebrews 12:1 encourages us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

Be the Change

At Lakeview Christian Church, we embrace the mission to “Be the Change” through “Just 3”: Study, Share, and Serve. We study to love and know God, share to know and love others, and serve as love in action. By engaging in these practices, we ensure that we are not stagnant in our faith but are actively participating in God’s work in the world.

Conclusion

Let us commit to overcoming complacency and striving for growth in our faith. Let us be in motion, continually seeking to grow, serve, and share our faith. As we do so, we will be living testimonies of Christ, drawing others to Him and fulfilling our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us.”