Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. -- 1 Corinthians 9:24Thesaurus.com lists antonyms of the complacent as: unhappy, unsure, concerned, discontent, discontented, dissatisfied.
I must have missed something. I can understand these to be the opposites of contented, not not complacent.
The Bible calls us to be contented; but never complacent. Paul speaks to the power of contentment. It is this very attitude that gives context to his statement, I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). And the value of contentment is driven home by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: Be anxious for nothing... and consider the birds of the air... (Matthew 6:25-26).
Contentment and complacency are vastly different. One is a blessed satisfaction. The other is a lack of desire and caring. Contentment is a settled heart. Complacency is a lack of heart.
Paul utilizes action metaphors is describing his passion for Christ and his mission: Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal... (Phil 3:14). He likens the life of faith to training for a boxing match, running a race, and fighting a battle. These are not word pictures of complacency.
Complacent Christianity is not true Christianity.
Growth and progress should be the norms in our relationship with God. Stagnation is the alternative; and that is no way to live.
God, I have my running shoes on...
For now...
D
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