For this edition we will be discussing stagnation in our spiritual lives.
Remember the definition: Being stagnant means having stopped, as by ceasing to run or flow; failure to develop, progress, or advance. The state or quality of being or feeling sluggish and/or dull.
Whether you are a new Christian or have been Christian for a long time – you may have experienced being stagnant in your relationship with Christ. Many of you have been there, or are currently there at this very moment. Think about the first time you accepted Christ as your personal Savior. You were on fire, praying every day, reading your Bible every day, attending church service after church service etc Then LIFE happened. It may have come in the form of an obstacle, unanswered prayer, new job promotion, getting married, having a child/children, school or even work. So many things can get in our way and keep us from having a vibrant relationship with Christ.
Zephaniah 1:12-13 states: “It will come about at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the men who are stagnant in spirit, who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good or evil!’ Moreover, their wealth will become plunder and their houses desolate; yes, they will build houses but not inhabit them, and plant vineyards but not drink their wine’”. This verse is a prophecy against those who were “stagnant in spirit,” or “settled in complacency”. Not going to lie … That verse is scary!
Let’s discuss some ways to get out of the rut and remain consistent in our spiritual lives.
1 – Make time: You know the phrase “you make time for what is important to you”? Your spiritual life should be a priority. Do not make excuses that you are too busy. We often make a schedule and God is NO WHERE in the picture. I personally feel early morning is the best time (or whenever you wake up). Start your day with Him, in His presence. I know many of you have hectic “schedules” … schedule your time with him. You wouldn’t miss certain appointments, don’t miss the appointment with Him.
2 – Accountability: Get an accountability partner or a group that can hold you accountable. As I sit with many people I realize this is a definite lack in the body of Christ. We are scared to hold each other accountable. Get someone or a group of people that will check in on you (and sometimes check you) and keep you on track spiritually. We do it for working out … why would it be any different?
3 - Challenge Yourself: As you walk with Christ, there needs to be growth. If your understanding of the Bible is the same as last year … that is a problem! Scripture speaks about being lukewarm … He will spit you out (Revelation 3:16). Join our Bible Challenge (shameless plug), set a goal to read a book within the Bible. Do SOMETHING that is challenge and not in your ordinary “routine”.
4 - Go To Church: Listen, not only go to church but pay attention! Get off your phone!! Church is a place of fellowship and is vital in spiritual growth. Something amazing happens when you are surrounded by like-minded individuals [Acts 2:42-47].
5 - Get involved: Not only go to church, but get involved. When you are involved in something you remain committed. You see the bigger picture and it also helps keeps you accountable.
6- Fast & Pray: If you are struggling spiritually, set aside some time to fast (no food) and pray. This is one of the most vital keys to growing spiritually. It is important that you are in communication with God or you will continue to feel a void. Scripture even talks about removing demons by praying and fasting [Mark 9:29, Mathew 17:21]. Powerful!
7 – Serve: Serving others assists in spiritual growth because it takes your eyes off your personal obstacles and allows you to see the bigger picture. There are so many who are hurting, lost and need our assistance. This means we need to be spiritual fit!
8- Mediate on Scripture: Do you eat every day? Same concept! We need to be fed spiritually every day through the word of God. Open up your Bible, use your Bible app etc Read the word daily!!
9 - Nature/Change scenery: Sometimes you may need a change of scenery. While you are reading the word – go to the park, sit by a lake or even pray in a separate room. You need a place where you will not be distracted.
10 – Teach others: One of the best ways to remain consistent and applying all you have learned is teaching someone else. That may look different for many of you. Some it may be teaching those in your household, others it may be friends or peers. Just be open to teach and help others.
This week I challenge you to do the following:
- Write out your spiritual goals
- Pray over your goals
- Set time aside to make a plan on how you will achieve these goals
- Look over the topics within the blog – Try at least ONE!
- Let us know how you are doing by either emailing in or commenting on this post
Until next time … remember NO STAGNATION! Next Friday we will discuss professional growth.
For His glory only!
XOXO
Danielle J.
