2 Chronicles 26:1–16
“But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God…” (2 Chron. 26:16)
Complacency: A Hidden Danger
Complacency is part of human nature. It’s that state of self-satisfaction that blinds us to risks. We see it in our work, our relationships, our life planning, and especially in our spiritual walk. Before we knew God, complacency ruled us even more strongly.
But God shines His light into our hearts. John 6:44 reminds us that it is God who draws us, and Romans 8:29 tells us that those He foreknew, He predestined.
The Treasure in Earthen Vessels
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:6–7:
“For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.”
This light is the Gospel. It is a treasure in fragile earthen vessels because it reveals our weakness and dependence on God. The word “treasure” speaks of something of great value—the Gospel and the Holy Spirit. As this light shines, it illuminates the deepest parts of our nature, exposing cracks in our human make up.
Covering the Cracks
As new believers, our first instinct is often to cover those cracks from the outside. We try to look good before others, attend church for the wrong reasons, or appear temporarily “washed” only to return to old ways.
This outward “smearing” is not a lasting solution. Many remain stuck here—covering cracks but never growing deeper. Eventually, they tire of trying, and their relationship with God stagnates. It is a sad situation, one that grieves the Lord.
True Transformation
Real change begins when we pray sincerely: “Lord, please change me.”
When we give God permission to work in us, His light penetrates the deep recesses of our hearts. Imagine standing in a dark cave: the cracks in the walls are invisible until light shines through them. In the same way, God’s light exposes hidden darkness in our hearts—areas we ignored or never noticed.
As we bring these areas to God, the darkness dissolves and His light takes its place. The more the darkness fades, the more of Christ we see in us. This process must continue until every dark area is crushed completely.
Dying to Self
The measure to which we die to self is the measure to which we see God.
- 100% alive to self → 100% blind to God → 0% awareness of Christ in us.
- 50% alive to self → 50% sight of God → 50% awareness of Christ in us.
- 100% dead to self → 100% sight of God → 100% awareness of Christ in us.
Where are you on this scale?
Paul reminds us in Romans 6:1–6 that the old nature is gone, never to return. Yet many fail to trust this truth because seeds of doubt take root in their minds.
Power in Christ’s Nature
Again, 2 Corinthians 4:7 declares:
“We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.”
We cannot change ourselves. Isaiah 64:6 tells us that our own righteousness is like filthy rags. True power does not come from a reformed human nature—it comes from the new nature of Christ within us. From this nature, the characteristics of Christ flow naturally.
Final Reminder
Complacency is a slippery slope. Feed the old nature, and complacency will grow. Feed the nature of Christ within you, and complacency will fade.
The treasure in earthen vessels is not our strength, but God’s surpassing power. Let His light shine through the cracks, and let His Spirit transform us, from the inside out.
From: “…time with the Master…”