“Familiarity breeds contempt” is an old cliché because it’s nearly always true. However, before contempt, familiarity breeds complacency—a ho-hum attitude that is satisfied with the status quo. If we’re not careful, complacency will then breed cynicism, which is a kissing cousin of contempt.

Those who spend time with the things of God should keep this in mind, because overexposure can both dampen our enthusiasm and damage our awe for God. That’s what happened to the ancient Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Daily miracles became daily ordinaries, and the people grew complacent, cynical, and contemptuous. But God had a stern word for them…and for us: sustain your enthusiasm or suffer the consequences.