Are We Experiencing Normal Christianity?
Are We Experiencing Normal Christianity?
Webster defines revival in part, as "a recovery of consciousness from unconsciousness". He describes the word revive in part, as bringing back to a normal condition. I want us to take a minute and consider these two thoughts. How much are we really conscious of the spiritual need around us? How close are we to normal Christianity?
I still remember sitting in a 9th grade science class. The room was very hot and we were all crowded into a a small corner of the room to watch an experiment. Slowly, little by little, the room began to spin and everything turned black. Eventually I met the point of no return. I do not remember a thing from that time until the time of recovery in the nurse's office. For sure, there was activity all about me, but it was completely unknown to me at the time. I have no recollection whatsoever of that time period.
Could it be that we are spiritually unaware of a world that is spinning out of control and is covered in the blackness of sin? We do not have to look very far to see it, but do we? It is there, but are we conscious of it? Could it be that at one time in our lives we stood against sin, and for the Savior? But now, we have given in to worldly pressures, family pressures, possibly even church pressures? Our zeal and spiritual energy have been drained to the point of numbness, and we are not even aware of what is taking place in the spiritual battle. We have become spiritually unconscious. Meanwhile satan (I do not believe in capitalizing his name) is working his plan just as Christ desires to work His plan.
Maybe you are not unconscious, just a little tired of the battle. Maybe just a lttle sleepy. May I remind you that there is a lost and dying world out there that is counting on us to make a difference (even if they are not aware of it). The same was true in Jonah's day. Can you hear the world call "What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not" (Jonah 1:6). Remember that God through the Apostle Paul tells us to be stedfast, unmovable, and of course, always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58). Remember too, not to be weary in well doing (Galatians 6:9). The rest of that verse goes on to say "...for in due season we shall reap, if we FAINT not."
God never expects us to faint, to grow weary, to sleep, to become unconscious to the battle going on around us, but yet all too often it happens. Do not allow the things of God to become dull in your thinking. Keep on keeping on for the Lord.
As I awoke in the nurse's office, I can remember things seeming a little fuzzy. It took some time to understand where I was and what had happened. It took a few minutes for me to return to normal. If we have gotten away from the Lord, returning to our first love may seem a little strange. There may be some major obstacles we need to overcome, and it may not happen all at once. Gradually, little by little, God can and will allow a return to normal Christianity.
By your choice, He will fan a spark in your heart and cause it to grow into a holy fire. Could it be that at this time you do not desire to be revived, to be on fire for the Lord? Could it be that you are content to live a life apart from God? Returning may be a little fuzzy", but return anyway. Ask God to give you the desire, to give you that little spark that He can fan. He will.
