While I was home for the holidays, something came to my attention. I was attending a church service in which the worship team began singing, as the congregation remained seated. This is something that I’ve seen before, but this time something struck me. A man chose to stand during the song, leading many to do likewise, yet others remained seated.
Before I go any further, let me be clear- there is nothing wrong with sitting during worship.
However, it was at that moment that I was reminded of something that I get far too caught up sitting in: the seat of complacency. It seems that my choices concerning living a healthy lifestyle, spending time in the Word, and even spending time with family and friends that can become quite stuck in this seat. To be completely honest, the seat of complacency is rather comfortable.
“For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
and the complacency of fools will destroy them;”
Proverbs 1:32 NIV
Life gets busy and we can get caught in the stress, tiredness, and routine of it all. After a long day at school, all I want to do is come home, put on some confortable clothes, and RELAX. This feeling of tiredness seems to keep me from making the effort to exercise; it can put me to sleep before I crack open my Bible. Is there any way to combat the complacent cycle of work, home, sleep? Of course!
But first, we need a plan.
1. Put in the work. Before anything can change, you have to be willing to put in the effort. This may mean squeezing the gym in before you go home for the day or “setting an appointment” with God to hold you accountable for your quiet time. You can’t expect results or change if you are unwilling to put forth the effort.
2. Prioritize. This is such a critical step to getting anything done ever. I make lists all the time because I have this terrible habit of jumping from task to task and only ending up with several things partway done. Helpful? Not at all. Whether making lists speaks to you or not, figure out a way that you can distinguish between things that MUST get done and things that you WANT to get done. Believe it or not, there is a difference. Don’t go overboard with what you have on your list for each day or you will become overwhelmed with what you should be doing and disheartened if it isn’t all accomplished. Set achievable goals for yourself.
3. Get some accountability. For those of us who are fairly self-disciplined and driven, this may not be as important. However, I feel that accountability can have a life-changing impact on those who become a part of it. While I tend to be driven to get things done without others reminding me or pushing me to do things, this isn’t always the case. It is humbling, but sometimes we could all use a little help. Having a friend or family member that commits to hold you accountable can encourage and motivate you to do what you say you will do. You want to walk the walk when others have heard you talk the talk. Not only is this great motivation, but it can also give you a feeling of connectedness in knowing that there is someone you can trust with even your most difficult struggles.
Standing up and getting out of the all-too-comfortable seat of complacency is challenging. It’s something that I face every time I get off work and debate whether I should workout or chill; when I decide between watching a movie and reading my Bible. It isn’t easy to make the choice to get out of your comfort zone, but I think that you will come to realize, like I have, that it can change your life. Complacency is nice, but it is lonely and it isn’t part of living the abundant life that God has for us.
“So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:11
Writer Bio
Shelby is a Senior Elementary Education major with a Spanish minor. She works as a barista and spends mornings in a 2nd grade class as a student teacher. As an Air Force brat, she has moved all around the United States and traveled to several other countries. In her free time, Shelby loves spending time with her family, adventuring with her boyfriend, and making memories with her friends. In every area of her life, God comes first, although she has to remind herself to trust Him in every situation. Through writing, Shelby hopes to show people the great grace of her Savior and how to live life to the fullest.
