When spiritual passion is fading
“I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. Revelation 2:2-5 Christianity is exclusive for God requires that His children will not compromise. It is not what we do through our religious activities that brings life but our personal relationship with God! Our spiritual passion could subside once we start to disregard God’s demand for submission. It is apparent that we begin our Christian life with fervor and enthusiasm only to fade because we allow distractions to creep in to our lives. When we allow ourselves to get distracted from our devotion to God, compromise and sin start to be unchallenged. This is God’s conclusion to what was happening in the lives of believers at the church of Ephesus. God observed that they used to endure and resolved that they will not quit in serving Him. Yet, when persecution intensified and standing up against false teachings became difficult, they gave in and conceded to temptations. Once we take for granted our relationship with God gradual decline in spirituality will take place then we will find ourselves lacking and weary of spiritual vitality. The excitement that you once anticipate from God is no longer evident. The desire to be led and be filled by the Holy Spirit is also affected. Then you noticed that your commitment to serve also is diminishing. You used to be deliberate in addressing sin in your life but now you noticed that you are starting to justify sin in your life. God will not allow His children to continue in their spiritual descent. As in the case of the believers in Ephesus, there will be disciplining that needs to take place. God resorts to such action because that is what will bring back a child to his Father. “For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child. As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all” (Hebrews 12:6-8). If God is initiating actions that are intended to bring you back to Him, do not resist instead let Him spiritually revive you. Repent and return to Him. Remember the time when you had an undivided affection towards Him. Realize that He wants you to shine and be a lampstand so that others will find their way to Him. If you are sensing that spiritual vitality is starting to fade, this is God’s way of telling you to start rekindling your love to Him.
Blessings,
