Complacency

It has been over two weeks since our plumbing went out, but a thought introduced by the whole situation has continued to toss about in my mind. The thought is this...how often do we accept things instead of changing them?

During those first hours of our plumbing crisis, we tried in vain to get in touch with a plumber who would be willing to come work on our problem. As we talked to people we discovered that plumbers in Monticello just don't work on weekends. Period. Not for anyone, even the city! Now the truth is that there is very little that Monticello residents can do about this situation. Someone with the equipment, expertise, and appropriate licensing could probably put together a very profitable after-hours plumbing company, but most of us don't have those qualifications. Those who do have them probably don't want to give up their own limited time off to start such a business. So, most people in Monticello who know that the plumbers in town are this way just shrug and say, "Yep, that's the way it is here." And there's just not much any of us can do about it, which is why it continues to be the way it is.

It occurred to me that this mentality has been adopted in other areas as well, but these other issues are much more serious than delayed plumbing repair. We see this attitude in our churches and our homes. We sit around and fuss about circumstances in our marriages that are destructive, difficult, annoying, and downright unbiblical. But, instead of doing anything about it, we just "grin and bear it" or say, "That's the way it is." We struggle with our children, seeing patterns of behavior that are contrary to God's precepts, but we grow weary of the constant battle. So, we content ourselves with the mentality that we are doing our best to steer them in the right direction - what they choose to do with what we've taught them is their own responsibility. We see problems in our churches, but instead of acting on those problems to correct them, we remind one another that we've always done it that way and changing it would make too many people mad. So, we do nothing and stay unproductive, unfruitful, and lacking in unity.

I can't do anything about the lack of after-hours plumbing service in Monticello. Issues in my home and church are another issue. Let's make a commitment to one another, shall we? Next time we are frustrated or concerned about something going on around us, let's stop and consider the situation. First, we must pray. So often we are of the impression that there is nothing we can do simply because our limited minds cannot conceive of a solution. All solutions are the Lord's anyway, so why not ask Him for the wisdom? Secondly, we must act. Instead of just accepting that there are no after-hour plumbers to fix the problems in our homes and churches, let's become those plumbers! Let's do the job, realizing that the sacrifice will be well worth it when we see our families and churches beginning to fall in line with the Word of God. Whatever else we may do, let us commit to one another that no matter what we will be determined to avoid complacency.