• Revelation 3:14-20
    "And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, "These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing"—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
     
  • Zephaniah 1:12
    "And it shall come to pass at that time
    That I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
    And punish the men
    Who are settled in complacency,
    Who say in their heart,
    'The LORD will not do good,
    Nor will He do evil.'

     
  • Matthew 25:1-13
    "Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. "And at midnight a cry was heard: "Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!" Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, "Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out." But the wise answered, saying, "No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves." And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. "Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, "Lord, Lord, open to us!" But he answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you." "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
     
  • Amos 6:3-7
    Woe to you who put far off the day of doom,
    Who cause the seat of violence to come near;
    Who lie on beds of ivory,
    Stretch out on your couches,
    Eat lambs from the flock
    And calves from the midst of the stall;
    Who sing idly to the sound of stringed instruments,
    And invent for yourselves musical instruments like David;
    Who drink wine from bowls,
    And anoint yourselves with the best ointments,
    But are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
    Therefore they shall now go captive as the first of the captives,
    And those who recline at banquets shall be removed.

     
  • 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3
    For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape.
     
  • Hebrews 2:3
    how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,
     
  • Amos 6:1
    Woe to you who are at ease in Zion,
    And trust in Mount Samaria,
    Notable persons in the chief nation,
    To whom the house of Israel comes!

     
For more scripture references, please see Bible verses for Complacency


Resources

Prepare to Meet Your God! (Part Six): Complacency and Laodiceanism

Article by John W. Ritenbaugh and Richard T. Ritenbaugh

A dominant theme in Amos' message is that past performance cannot compensate for a present lack of spiritual and moral commitment. Though outwardly religious, the people of Israel were complacent, relying solely on their privileged position rather than seeking God. Amos exposes this complacency in the nation's leadership, who …


Peace and Safety?

'Prophecy Watch' by Earl L. Henn

God warns that, as we approach the end of this age, some will proclaim peace and safety right before they are destroyed. Immediately before the second coming of Christ, conditions upon the earth will lull some into a spirit of complacency. Many will feel that mankind has finally worked out its problems to the point that the …


Without Heat, Thoughts Turn Cold

Commentary by Martin G. Collins

Complacency in spiritual matters is highlighted as a dangerous state, leading to a lack of spiritual growth and fruitfulness. The Laodiceans are described as spiritually complacent, being neither cold nor hot but lukewarm, which signifies self-satisfaction and a lack of inner desire to work for Christ. This lukewarmness results …


The Seven Churches (Part Nine): Laodicea

Bible Study by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Laodicean Christians exhibit an infectious spiritual malaise that can jeopardize their eternal life. Christ calls Laodicea lukewarm, a condition arising from a lack of faithful devotion to Him and a failure to grow in grace and knowledge. This lukewarm attitude often affects those who become distracted by the world and …


Inured, Calloused, Apathetic

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Complacency is a dangerous state that can lead to spiritual ruin. Christians who become inured to the anti-Christian bias in media, calloused by constant exposure to sin, or apathetic about the moral decline of society are at risk of losing their salvation. An apathetic person no longer cares about the degradation around them, …


A Government to Fear (Part Six)

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Complacency arises when people want time to enjoy the fruits of their conquests. However, complacency doesn't stand still; it gradually slides into apathy. The desire to defend what was accomplished declines rapidly, leading to dependency on the glories of the past. Without the fervent desire to defend it themselves, this …


Lot's Day and Our Day

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The West is obsessed with materialism and guaranteed security, as many institutions protect—even encourage—mediocrity, incompetency, and malfeasance.


So There Has Been Another Terror Strike

CGG Weekly by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Our fight is not the kind the government wages against terrorists, but the martial spirit is no less necessary in our fight against sin, Satan and the world.



For more resources, please see the library topic for Complacency