Snares of the Modern Church - Part XIV: Part Spiritual Complacency, When Comfort Trumps Conviction

In Part XIV of our series on the Snares of the Modern Church, we're pulling the curtains back on perhaps the most dangerous trap of all: spiritual complacency. This deceptive entrapment is particularly sinister because it's not always glaringly obvious—it creeps in unannounced, taking root in churches that otherwise appear healthy and vibrant. However, its damage is crafty, leaving churches not as sanctuaries for saints but rather as social clubs for sinners. As a matter of fact, spiritual complacency is the breeding ground for all kinds of heresies and sin.

First, let's define what we mean by spiritual complacency. It’s not merely the absence of zeal or a lack of enthusiasm in spiritual matters. It's far more pernicious—it can be either a deliberate or an unconscious decision to prioritize personal comfort over biblical truth. A complacent believer is someone who knows, deep down, that they should address rampant sin or false teaching within the church but instead chooses to turn a blind eye. This is often done in the name of "keeping the peace," a phrase that in this context could be more aptly described as "preserving the lie."

Rather than being parachuted in with a shocking, blatant declaration, these destructive heresies and practices often infiltrate churches subtly, almost imperceptibly. Gospel-less sermons may start out as occasional talking points in otherwise solid sermons. But the real trap is that these things are couched in Christian lingo and even sprinkled with Scripture, making them palatable and giving the impression that they’re merely different angles on the same faith. All the while, the focus gradually shifts from biblical authority to cultural relevancy. Under the noble banners of "open dialogue" and "unity," the biblical gospel gets replaced by a counterfeit, all in the pursuit of not rocking the boat.

Similarly, the corruption of worship doesn’t usually happen overnight. It often begins with a well-intentioned desire to be "relevant" or "accessible" to a broader audience. However, the effect is like adding water to wine—it dilutes the substance while keeping the appearance. The hymns rich in theology slowly give way to repetitive choruses focused on our feelings and experiences. The sermons start leaning more into pop psychology and motivational speaking rather than exegetical preaching. In the process, the very core of worship mutates—it's no longer about glorifying God but about making us feel better about ourselves, thereby turning sanctuaries into self-help seminars.

But the problem of spiritual complacency goes beyond what's preached from the pulpit or sung from the stage. It manifests in the pews as well. Church members know that brother so-and-so is living in sin or that sister so-and-so is promoting false teaching. Still, they stay silent. The fear of upsetting the apple cart or making a scene silences the conviction that should arise from the indwelling Holy Spirit.