Christian Living

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The Christian walk is a progressive journey. It is not coming to a point of arriving at Spiritual maturity, but a continuous striving to achieve one goal after another until we stand before the Lord and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” There is no place for complacency in a Believer. The Believer’s life is a growing experience. He continually gauges his progress by asking simple questions: “Do I love God more than I did a week ago?” “Am I spending more time in the Word than I did last week?” “Am I doing more for the Kingdom of God than I did two weeks ago?” If the answers to these questions are negative, he will disappear into the walled church, becoming a spectator instead of a participant. He hopes that showing up for Sunday morning services will help to sooth his troubled conscience. When this happens, the Believer has become the face of the neo-Christian church.

Periodically there is a wake up call, usually set off by seeing other Christians living a victorious life. To help the lukewarm Christian regain his spiritual stability, some churches schedule Revivals. It is an invitation to stoke up those embers and once again be on fire for the Lord. If the intention of the inactive Believers is positive and filled with hope, they will rededicate their lives and leave the meeting fully charged and ready to pick up where they left off. For the next few weeks or months, their zeal brings back memories of their first encounter with the Lord. Sadly, the things that caused the Believers to fall away before are slowly reintroduced to them. Their renewed love begins to wane. Bible reading loses its priority. The application of the Word leaves their consciousness. Once again, they are back where they were before the Revival.

There are some Believers who, when they decided to restore their spiritual lives, seek out a new environment. Instead of continuing their physical commitment to a certain body of believers, they decide to try something different. The seeking Believer is usually drawn to emotional gatherings. They want a “feeling” faith. The louder the music, the more likely the Lord will listen to their “want” list! I have nothing against the music decibels as long as there is substance behind it. I have nothing against highly emotional services as long as it influences how I act the rest of the week. I have nothing against “experiencing” the presence of the Lord, as long as I know that He will still be there when I don’t feel Him. I have nothing against being overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit, as long as I know I can overcome any obstacle by the Holy Spirit in me.

Returning Believers are also vulnerable to deceptive teaching and false doctrines. Instead of returning to the basics of their faith, they open themselves to “new revelations” that cater to their flesh instead of their spirit. Just because someone lost their zeal for the Lord while in their foundational church, does not mean they cannot surpass their previous spiritual growth in that “family” church. It takes discipline and commitment to achieve our purpose in life. Instead of blaming others for lost growth, look in the mirror and accept responsibility. Rededicate yourself to the Lord. Open His Word daily and let the Holy Spirit guide you into Truth. Step out into the worldly environment and exhibit what you have learned. It is never too late to re-enter the race for the Kingdom!

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