DO NOT BE COMPLACENT

By Tammy Phillips
March 5, 2025

For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. 30 They rejected my advice and PAID NO ATTENTION when I corrected them. 31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. 32 For simpletons turn away from me–to death. FOOLS ARE DESTROYED BY THEIR OWN COMPLACENCY. 33 BUT all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.” (Pro 1:29-33 NL-bold for emphasis from me)

One month ago, I was alone in my car, driving down a familiar, traveled road to a funeral. Hearing a word from God was not what I was expecting, but I heard Him say, out of nowhere, “DO NOT BE COMPLACENT!” I have heard Him say it many times since. The word has been like a nipping dog going after my feet. It will not go away. I have been studying and inquiring of the Lord exactly what He was saying.

I understand He was/is saying about anything and everything.

  • Do not to be unconcerned; BE FERVENT.
  • Do not to be at ease; be on guard. PAY ATTENTION. BE WATCHING.
  • Do not to be careless; BE VIGILANT.
  • Do not to be nonchalant; BE PASSIONATE.
  • Do not to be apathetic; BE ZEALOUS AND ACT.
  • Do not to be too comfortable; BE AWAKE.
  • Do not to be self-righteous; BE RIGHTEOUS IN CHRIST.
  • Do not be unaware of dangers nor deficiencies. BE AWARE.
  • Do not be set on autopilot; BE SOBER.
  • Do not be zonked out; ARISE.
  • Do not to be uncritically satisfied with yourself.  STRETCH  AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF.
  • Do not be half-hearted; BE HEART FIXED AND FOCUSED.

In the middle of the journey learning about complacency, Holy Spirit dropped this verse into my spirit:

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.(Phil 4:11 NKJV)

I heard Him say, “Do not be complacent, but be content where your are.” What is the difference?

Complacency is an unhealthy, self-satisfied, stagnant place to be.  It is a stubborn stillness that lies and says, “status quo is ay okay,” when God is calling to action. Complacency hates knowledge and chooses not to fear the LORD. It rejects my advice and PAYS NO ATTENTION.  The complacent live their own way and turn away from God.  Contentment is being ay ok where God has you, but still stretching and moving forward. Being content is resting in sweet peace and being in a healthy state of satisfaction. The truly content seek and fear the Lord. The content listens to the wisdom and instruction of the Lord, all the while paying attention.

Complacency is passive and sees no need to change, while contentment knows change is necessary. It is an active, flourishing place to be. Isaiah said this, “Tremble, you [women] who are at ease; Be troubled, you complacent ones; Strip yourselves, make yourselves bare, And gird [sackcloth] on [your] waists.” [Isa 32:11 NKJV]

The Tammy Go God Version of this verse might read like this: “Alright, Ms. Complacent! Shake! Rattle and roll. Get naked before Me and buckle up, Buttercup. Put on your big girl panties and Let’s go! “

I enCOURAGE you to be content where you are, but do not be complacent. It is a dangerous way to be about life, health, marriage, finances, prayer, relationships with God and others …anything and everything.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. 8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.” (Pro 3:5-8 NKJV)

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