Complacency is Not a Fruit of the Spirit! A Conversation with God

On discouragement, Job, and why honesty with God beats hiding from Him

Oct 02, 2026

Complacency is not a fruit of the spirit: an orange starfruit hanging from the trees — Complacency is not a fruit of the Spirit!

Intro:

Have you ever avoided God because you were too discouraged, upset, or mad to talk to Him? That was me this past week. I’d been dodging Him for days, knowing I needed to sit down with Him and listen. Yet I kept finding plenty of other things to keep myself busy.

Finally, my heart and my conscience made it clear that enough was enough. I started talking to Him as I warmed up the shower. Then this phrase popped into my head:

“Complacency is not a fruit of the Spirit!”

What followed was the most honest conversation I’ve had with God in a while. I talked to Him like I would a best friend— this is how I “heard” God’s words in my own heart:

An Honest Conversation with God

“Complacency is not a fruit of the Spirit!”

What? Where’d that thought come from?

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; (Gal. 5: 22, ESV).

I mulled over what I’d “heard” in my head: “Complacency is not a fruit of the Spirit!”

Me: Is that from you, God? Because I know I’ve been avoiding you, and I’m sorry.

GOD: I know you’re sorry; you’re always sorry, but that doesn’t fix the problem!

Me: (Cringing, as I step into the shower and adjust the temp.) You’re so right.

GOD: So what’s the real problem here…why aren’t you coming to talk to me?

Me: It’s almost October, and it’s getting dark. You know I don’t do well in the dark. I need the light. Lots of light.

GOD: That’s not it…

Me: OK, (sighing), I’m discouraged. And maybe a little mad.

GOD: Nailed it. Mad at me, perhaps?

Me: (pouting)— Well, can you blame me? I went through the whole sinus surgery thing, and three weeks out, I’m still battling some infection no one can seem to identify. Since February!! You and I both know that, but doctors need to “see” it. What good was the surgery, then?

GOD: Oh, Child of so. little. patience…how many times do I need to remind you of this?

Me: I know. I’m SORRY!

GOD: (rolls eyes at me!) Here we go again…

Me: Oof…Well, I wish I could get these emotions in line. They’re not helpful, you know.

GOD: (smiling gently)

Me: I know this is small potatoes compared to so many other health issues people are dealing with. But on top of the immune and gut stuff? It starts to feel like trudging up a never-ending mountain. I guess the question is, is this really the best use of my time and “temple” for You?

GOD: Are you trusting me?

Me: Ummm…probably not. I mean, I know you can fix anything, and then use it all for my good, but if I’m honest…I don’t always trust that you might actually do it for ME. AND, I’m afraid your answer will be “no,” or “not yet…” again.

GOD: Do you remember Job?

Me: (feeling chagrined) Of course, I remember Job! But I don’t like that story! It’s a terrible story of suffering. He had to learn that sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason for our circumstances, beyond the fact that You’re in charge and sovereign over everything!

GOD: (Remains silent while I reflect on Job’s story and what I might need to learn now. In my mind I see God walking beside me as we talk, his arm around my shoulders.)

Me: Once Job actually SAW you instead of merely HEARD about you, Your glory eclipsed all of his questioning. His perspective changed. Hmmm….

I heard about you from others;

now I have seen you with my own eyes.

(Job 42: 5, CEV)

GOD: (looks over at me, waiting for connections…)

Me: Ahh. Like usual, I’m staring at my own problems when I need to reframe this and get my eyes back onto you. I keep falling into that. I’m s….

GOD: DON’T SAY IT!! Just do it! (He’s grinning again.)

Me: (Laughing now with Him) Yes. Got the message. Thanks for the reminder. I know how I like to avoid the hard stuff. I guess the ostrich “hiding-my-head” maneuver isn’t helpful. But it’s so hard to pull myself out of it sometimes. Like Paul said…

“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.”

(Rom 7:15, ESV)

GOD: (still grinning) Complacency isn’t a fruit! But faithfulness and self-control are. I still love you.

Me: (feeling thankful)— Love you right back!! Thanks for not leaving me in the middle of this mess. Will you help me stay more in the moment with you as we walk this out? I want to keep my head out of the dirt and my eyes on You.

Complacency is not a fruit of the spirit: light brown ostrich head peering over a wooden fence — Keeping your head outta the dirt!

*******

How easy it is for me, and I imagine all of us, to become discouraged along the journeys of life. That’s why I shared my heartfelt “conversation with God.”

If you, like me, are in a dark season, discouraged, or maybe even mad at God, you’re not alone, and you’re not too much for Him! He already knows it all. He simply wants us to come out of hiding and bring everything to Him.

Will you join me in keeping our heads outta the dirt, and eyes on Christ? If you need prayer for this, or anything you’re struggling with, please let me know. I’d be honored to pray for you, .