Thursday, January 29, 2009
Stagnate Much?
Random House Dictionary describes Stagnate as:
to stop developing, growing, progressing, or advancing.
I had the opportunity this week to visit with someone I seldom get to chat with. We only had about 15 minutes to talk, but we used the time to exchange testimonies and discuss our spiritual lives.
My heart went out to her when she described how she and her husband are not growing spiritually. She mentioned that on the surface they look pretty good, but privately they do not pray together, are not being enriched through Bible study, and are not 'plugged in' to a body of believers who encourage them to develop a deeper relationship with Christ.
I was amazed that she would divulge this information to me so freely, and saddened that her spiritual life is so stagnant. Yet, as I ponder it, I realize that any number of Christians, if they were truly honest, would describe their spiritual lives as stagnant. I then had to ask myself if I'm praying for these people. Our pastor is constantly encouraging us to pray privately and together, for the body of believers. It's easy to pat someone on the arm and offer a quick, "I'll pray for you" and then never do it. James 5:16 tells us to...."Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."
We cannot force people to deepen their relationship with Christ, but we can certainly lift them up in prayer and encourage them. We are blessed to have a Savior who never gives up on us and continually draws us to Him.
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3 comments:
I couldn't agree with you more! Great post.
God is ever faithful! The New Testament tells us over and over to encourage and exhort one another and also to pray without ceasing. So many believers are starving spiritually. What a revival would spread throughout the land if we all prayed and encouraged especially those who are struggling.
I think we all suffer stagnate periods. My friends and I were just discussing that the key to problems like this is to not be afraid to share what we have been through (or perhaps are going through)so that we can all bear each others burdens. Once we have been honest with each other we can "spur each other on to good deeds" and greater growth! By sharing how the Lord helped us overcome our times when we were flailing around, not moving forward, we can help others to find their way out.
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