Complacency Is Not Christ-like

Complacency Is Not Christ-like                                                   October 19, 2025

Simple Psychology defines The Bystander Effect as a social psychological phenomenon where individuals are less likely to help a victim when others are present.  The greater the number of bystanders, the less likely any one of them is to help.

In 1964, a young woman named Kitty Genovese was attacked outside her apartment in New York.  Dozens of neighbors reportedly heard her cries, but most assumed someone else would call the police.  Because everyone waited, no one acted, and she died before help came.  When everyone waits for someone else, nothing gets done.  Complacency can have devastating consequences.

Spiritually, the same is true.  When we wait for someone else to step, needs go unmet, and opportunities to show Christ’s love are missed.

Complacency is not Christ-like – following Jesus means stepping up when there is a need.

The Biblical Foundation

Christ is our model

• Philippians 2:5-8: Jesus didn’t wait for someone else; He stepped forward to save us.
• John 13:14-15: Jesus didn’t wait for someone else to serve; He set the example.

Examples of stepping up

• Numbers 14:6-9: Joshua and Caleb stood in faith while others shrank back.
• Nehemiah 2:17-18:  Nehemiah stepped up to lead instead of waiting for someone else.

Warning against complacency

• James 4:17:  Knowing but not acting is sin.  Don’t be like neighbors that heard Kitty Genovese’s cries but ultimately did nothing.  See the bigger picture and don’t be blinded by complacency.
• Luke 10:33-34  The Samaritan acted while others passed by.  What would have been considered the least likely to help was the right help.  Be like the Good Samaritan.  Take action when others turn a blind eye.

Application for Us

• In the church:  Don’t wait for someone else to greet, teach, or serve.  Be the one to volunteer as soon as you identify a need.
• In daily life:  Take initiative with neighbors, co-workers, and family.  We are image bearers of Christ.  Reflect the correct image of Christ to others through our actions.
• Key thought: Christ-like living means moving toward needs in love, not assuming someone else will act.  Assume if you don’t help, nobody else will.

Encouragement & Call to Action

• I Corinthians 12:26:  When we don’t act, the whole body of Christ suffers.
• Call:  Don’t wait for someone else.  Be the one who steps forward.
• Hope:  God equips us to act; small steps make a big difference.

Christ didn’t wait for someone else – He went to the cross for us.  Let’s follow His example, like Joshua, Caleb, Nehemiah, and the Good Samaritan.  Let’s step us when there’s a need.  Don’t let Christianity just become a title for yourself.  Live out your faith boldly.  A dormant faith pleases none other than Satan.

By Ian Fleischman