Don't Settle...

Last week we looked at the eight oracles or prophetic words Amos had for Judah, Israel, and the surrounding nations. This week, we see our country prophet zeroing in on "the family" (Amos 3:1). From Amos chapter three to chapter six we see our prophet preach a series of sermons each one building on the previous, each one addressing various issues that were facing Israel and Judah.
When he reaches chapter six, we find what I think is the source of their problems. He addresses two issues in chapter six which are intricately related. Complacency and pride. Amos 6:1 starts off proclaiming woe to those who have become complacent and ends expressing the Lord's hatred of pride. How are these related? Well let's consider what complacency means - The Oxford Dictionary describes complacency "a feeling of smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements."

So you see, while Amos was telling them "Woe to you who are complacent in Zion" (Amos 6:1 NIV) he was setting them up to receive the knockout punch a few verses later when he says:  "The Sovereign Lord has sworn by himself—the Lord God Almighty declares:

“I abhor the pride of Jacob
    and detest his fortresses;
I will deliver up the city
    and everything in it.” (Amos 6:8 NIV)

Catch that? The Lord abhor's the pride of Jacob. He is disgusted with those who sit complacently, perfectly content with what they have achieved. Thus sitting back and wait on the "Day of the Lord" to arrive knowing their salvation is secure, not worried about their brother.

Let's bring this up to today. Do we fall into the same trap? Israel and Judah were experiencing the best days economically, their social standing was secure, they weren't warring with their neighbors.

In the church today, (talking universal church here) we have more than we have ever had. We have access to resources no other generation has had yet are we taking advantage of the blessing which God has bestowed upon us or are we sitting complacently admiring with our achievements?

Are we embracing a "Field of Dreams" mentality (if you build it they will come) or are we actively sharing our faith with all who would listen?

I want to challenge you this Easter season - take advantage of the willingness of people to go to church and invite them! Go out of your way to find people, even people you think would never give the church the time of day. But don't just invite them to share with them what God has done for you and bring them!

Let's not let our pride stand between us and obedience to God!

See ya Sunday!