No Tolerance for Spiritual Lethargy

I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles were covering its face, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I beheld and considered it well; I looked and received instruction. Proverbs 24:30-31 (Amplified Bible)

I have witnessed enough accounts in Scripture to learn that God often uses physical objects to reveal the state of our hearts and teach kingdom principles. Today’s passage strikes me as a sad commentary on the spiritual state of too many Christians. It serves as a reminder of my own internal world of the not too distant past and the realization of it becoming a present condition if I do not intentionally guard against it. Spiritual lethargy has the painful consequences of covering our lives with wound inducers and the over throwing, tearing down, and destroying of protective walls. It is not God’s intent or desire for us to possess thorns and allow easy access to the enemy of our souls.

My walk with God must have balance. It is imperative that I possess a determination and steadfastness to practice spiritual disciplines as well as increase my dependency on and for God. I am not left on my own but neither am I void of the responsibility to take in truth and daily apply the truth. Scripture makes it clear that I am to feed my spirit, put on my armor, appropriate spiritual warfare tactics, be filled with the Spirit, live a life of obedience to God, and poise myself with a teachable spirit. This is not possible if I simply live with a haphazard mentality concerning my relationship with God.

There are certain things that must be non negotiable in my life. For decades I failed to make them a vital part of each day and the disarray of my Christian life was the result. On the outside things appeared fine but on the inside I stood defenseless, confused, and empty. I was wide open to thorns and wounds that were not only useless but unnecessary. So now I guard the time I spend in the Word and prayer along with surrounding myself with that which would encourage and increase spiritual growth……fellowship with Christians who are passionate about their walk with God, reading rich books that feed me necessary truths, listening to music that attributes praise to God as well as enlarges my view of Him, and keeping my ears attuned to His still, small voice. Then and only then am I equipped to minister to others out of the overflow of a deep rooted relationship with my Abba.

Father, may I keep my hand on the plow and my eyes on You. I desire to live well protected and in Your presence! Amen.