Lies That Keep You Stuck and Complacent in Your Faith
Have you ever felt stuck in your walk with God- like you’re going through the motions but not really growing? Maybe you long for a deeper, more vibrant faith, yet find yourself settling for spiritual comfort instead of true heart transformation. These lies that keep you complacent in your faith are robbing you of a deep relationship with God and abundant life in Christ.
But the truth is, complacency can quietly take root in our heart without us realizing it. It doesn’t always look like rebellion or disbelief. Sometimes spiritual complacency is simply distraction, discouragement, or drifting through life without the fire you once had for Jesus.
But behind that complacency lies the enemy whispers. These subtle deceptions that keep you content with “good enough” instead of pursuing the fullness of life in Christ.
Once you begin to recognize and replace those lies with God’s truth, you’ll be more aware of the ploys of the enemy that want to keep you stuck.
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What is spiritual complacency?
Spiritual complacency is a subtle but dangerous state of being spiritually comfortable and stagnant. It’s when your faith stops growing because you’ve settled for good enough or aren’t truly focused on the Lord.
It doesn’t usually happen overnight. It creeps in quietly and often when you’re distracted.
It may sneak in when your prayers become routine, your Bible collects dust, and your heart feels distant from the passion you once had for God.
You might still go to church, read a verse here and there, and even serve faithfully, but deep down, you sense you’re spiritually stuck.
Honestly, it’s as if you’re going through the motions without truly moving forward. You’re drifting instead of seeking, plateaued instead of growing, comfortable instead of trusting God in new ways.
However, a growing, vibrant faith is alive and active. It hungers for more of Jesus, steps out in obedience even when it’s uncomfortable, and continually seeks His presence and purpose.
What is the abundant life God has for me?
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10
On the contrary to a complacent spiritual life, we must examine what it means to fully step into the abundant life God has for us.
Just as that verse says, God sent Jesus so we could know what it means to have life, and “have it to the full.” Also wrapped up in this verse is the fact that Satan, the thief, comes to rob us of that very blessing.
In order to ward off the enemy and receive the life God has for you, He wants you to seek Him and have a deep relationship with Him and let His love invade every part of your life.
Having a relationship with God will bring forth joy, hope, peace, and strength. Those characteristics overpower the feelings of lack, emptiness, and discontentment which all point to the very opposite of having an abundant life.
The more you seek to know Him, the more you will make Him known… this is the meaning of life.
The abundant life God has for you also involves living Your life for Him, honoring Him with your life, and walking in obedience in accordance to His Word.
Through His goodness, grace, and mercy He reciprocates through blessing you in your life here on earth, while preparing an eternal place for you in heaven.
Dear sister, if there’s one thing I know for sure… the enemy is cunning, and he can whisper some pretty nasty lies in our ears, but our God is stronger.
Here are three of the most commonly believed lies by Christian women today.
Lies That Keep You Stuck and Complacent in Your Faith
Lie #1: I am doing fine spiritually.
How it shows up:
This lie often sounds like, “I go to church. I pray sometimes. I’m doing okay.” You convince yourself that because you’re not walking away from God, you must be walking with Him.
But you’ve stopped pursuing intimacy with Jesus. You quiet time gets squeezed out, and you no longer feel the urgency to seek His presence daily.
The spiritual cost:
When we settle for “fine,” we drift into lukewarm faith.
Our hearts become dull to God’s voice, and we lose the hunger that once drew us to His Word.
Over time, the joy, peace, and purpose that come from walking closely with Him begin to fade and replaced by routine religion.
Wake-up question:
When was the last time you truly felt in awe of God’s presence or deeply moved by His Word?
Lie #2: I am a slave to my failures and shortcomings of the past.
How it shows up:
This lie whispers that your past mistakes define your present and future. You may replay failures in your mind, feel unworthy of God’s blessings, or avoid stepping into new opportunities for growth.
As a result, your faith becomes stagnant and you stay in your comfort zone, afraid to pursue deeper intimacy with God or to believe His grace truly covers all.
The spiritual cost:
When you let past failures hold you captive, you remain spiritually complacent. Your heart grows hardened to God’s grace, and you miss the freedom and renewal He offers daily.
Instead of walking forward in trust and courage, you drift through routines, letting guilt and shame dictate your spiritual life.
Wake-up question:
What past failure or regret have you allowed to keep you from pursuing God’s purpose for your life today?
“You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” Romans 6:18
Lie #3- God cares about my happiness.
How it shows up:
This lie convinces us that faith is primarily about feeling good or having life go smoothly.
We may pursue comfort over obedience, avoiding challenges or opportunities to grow in faith because they seem inconvenient or uncomfortable. Or, we let bitterness take root when we struggle to believe God is good in our messy circumstances.
As a result, we settle into spiritual complacency, as we ignore the deeper work God wants to do in our hearts. God uses our circumstances to draw us closer to Him and refine the rough places of our character, even when it’s painful.
The spiritual cost:
When we chase happiness instead of wholehearted devotion, our faith becomes shallow.
We miss out on the transformation, perseverance, and fruit of the Spirit that come from trusting God in every season — even the hard ones.
Comfort becomes our standard, and our hearts stop pressing into God’s presence and purpose.
Wake-up question:
Are you prioritizing temporary comfort over the deeper joy and transformation God wants to cultivate in your life?
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11
Overcoming the lies to move forward
Now that you’re aware of the lies of this world that long to keep you stuck and paralyze you from living your identity in Christ, it’s time to take action.
Be on guard and recognize these lies for what they are, falsehoods that keep you from living an abundant life and keep you from following God’s best for you here on earth.
Combat the lies of the enemy with God’s Word. Therefore, that means you need to study and soak in God’s Word to know the truth and have the truth rooted in your heart.
Then, stand firm in spiritual warfare, relying on Scripture promises to carry you through weak moments as you press into God for strength.
Finally, live on purpose and take intentional steps to walk with God each day. As you renew your mind with His truth, you’ll discover the joy of a soul anchored to His promises and hold this world with loose hands.
You’ll no longer crave attention or notoriety here on earth, but tread lightly in a world that’s not your home.
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