Just as the sermon began to intensify, all it took was for my husband to take one pause, and we heard it, “ZZZ-Zzzz-ZZzzz-hngGGggh-Ppbhww- zZZzzzZZ . . .” I looked over at the culprit, and he suddenly startled and shouted out “Good word, Pastor!”
Bless his heart! Anyone who knows me knows who our sleeper was. It was one of our dearest and best friends, Jimmy. I know for sure that he loved God with all his heart; he just had trouble staying awake in church. I would never say anything negative about him, but I couldn’t help but giggle. Again, bless his heart!
He passed away this past year, and I have no doubt he is not having any trouble staying awake in glory this very minute! See you in Heaven someday, Jimmy!
While Jimmy had trouble staying awake physically, I can’t think of anyone who was more spiritually awake than he was. He read his Bible so much that it had to be held together with duct tape. He had a fierce faith and a powerful prayer life. He constantly served joyfully and gave sacrificially to others.
His enthusiasm for the things of the Lord was so contagious! My husband and I enjoyed spending time with him so much because his passion for God was truly evident and genuine. He inspired us in our faith, and his memory still does!
I think one of the things we loved so much about Jimmy was that he was such a rare breed. Very few people could relate to his commitment toward God. Most commonly, we observe those who are lackadaisical or nonchalant about the things of God. Most people seem to be bored by church and are just going through the motions. Where is the excitement?
When there is a special event at the church, a special worship night, an opportunity to feed the hungry or serve the needy, a choir rehearsal or volunteer’s meeting, or a Bible study, the percentage of those who are gung-ho and faithful is alarmingly small. The majority seems to yawn and say, “I just don’t feel like it tonight.”
Why do we sleep? Where does this boredom come from? Have we become apathetic, complacent, hum-drum in our spiritual lives? Have we fallen asleep to the wonder of who God is and the thrill of living for Him?
It doesn’t have to be that way!
Listen, there is nothing more exciting or meaningful in all of this life than to be in the presence of Almighty God! Nothing! Every time we gather in His name, He has promised to be in our midst. Isn’t that thrilling?
Instead of seeing God as overly familiar, or conversely, seeing Him as unapproachable and distant, we need to have the mindset that He is breathtakingly holy, mighty beyond our comprehension, closer than our next breath, and we should be in absolute awe to even be able to come into His presence at all. Yet, He welcomes us and loves fellowship with us so much! He longs for an intimate relationship with His children. That should absolutely blow our minds!
Imagine how He feels when we are on our way to church, or we wake up in the morning, and He is waiting for us in our prayer closet. I can picture Him saying, “Here comes my precious Shari! I love her so much, and I can’t wait to spend time with her! I have so much to tell her!” Then, to His surprise, I either don’t go, or I am distracted and bored the entire time I am there. What a letdown it must be for God, and what we miss out on!
I am just as guilty as anyone, yet I love God with all my heart. I get busy, or I am distracted, or I am pulled in a tug-of-war with my flesh, and I become complacent in my relationship with the Lord. It happens so gradually, that we don’t see it happening until we are finally asleep.
Well, I say, “Wake up!” It is time to get out of that sleepy haze and wake up to the things of God. Let us quit wasting time and energy on trivial things of this world, and let us pursue the heart of God with everything that is in us! Let us fan the flame in our hearts that has fizzled down to mere glowing embers, and let our hearts burn passionately for God!
It is time to make the decision to be either hot or cold, because lukewarm is not cutting it anymore. It’s nauseating!
We need some spiritual Red Bull from the Word of God! That is where we will find our passion. Feed on His Word, and your appetite for it will grow. Ask the Holy Spirit to reignite the passion in your heart, and He will do it. Make a conscious choice to spend time in prayer daily, and He will speak to your heart.
For those who do have a passionate spiritual life, keep the flame burning!
Don’t get caught “ZZZ-Zzzz-ZZzzz-hngGGggh-Ppbhww- zZZzzzZZ . . .” with your spiritual life!
Wake up, sleepy heads! 🙂
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Romans 13:11-12 ESV
For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore, it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Ephesians 5:14 ESV
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. Revelation 2:4-5a ESV
I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 ESV
Good word Shari! 😉 Seriously, a very good reminder of how God sees us.
Thank you! It really makes me think!
Good article Shari!
Thank you, Carla!