Complacency

One of the messages of Parshat Eikev, is the danger of becoming overly complacent. There is a clear warning of what will happen if we, “grow fat in the land.”

Complacency comes when an individual feels relatively comfortable with his current situation. It is most often reflected on having plenty of money. When he is living well, he might lose his motivation to accomplish his full potential.

Rashi quotes a statement of the Rabbis that says, “A person only rebels against Hashem, when he is filled up.” When one is lacking in such things as money and good health, he will not be complacent. He will be more motivated to pray and rely on Hashem.

When the Torah tells us that the fire on the altar must burn “twenty four-seven,” there is a deeper message implied. We must find a way to keep the fire burning inside of us. We must always push ourselves to do more, even when times are good.

It is also written in the book of Iyov, “אדם לעמל יולד,” that man was meant to struggle. We must be constantly aware of the dangers of complacency, and do all we can to avoid it.