When it becomes easier for a Christian to throw in the towel of responsibility, accountability, and dependability, rather than standing unmovable in the face of opposition, that person may be teetering on the edge of giving up their inclination of doing outreaches for God. Their talents and positive influence may be on the verge of becoming misplaced or lost. If this happens, feelings of indifference may become paramount in their character.
Not only can they fail in personal commitment, others watching their life are affected. The positive influence that's appreciated so much is now missing. The problem is not in the supporting force behind them; God doesn’t change; it’s with those that allow themselves to teeter on the edge of giving up, because they do nothing to affectively change their lethargic status in Christ. They shift into neutral, which causes the desire to do a work for the Lord to subside. Contentment with the statuesque follows; a sad commentary for any person that excelled in furthering the kingdom of God
The person that stood unmovable now sits motionless on the sideline doing nothing—their spiritual life filled with atrophy. The desire to give to others and to be used of God diminishes. A comme ci, comme ca, ho-hum attitude replaces the enthusiasm they once had. Their talent ceases to be used for God and soon fades from sight. “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” becomes reality. The testimonies relating to God’s divine power to change a person’s life begins to wilt and die like a flower without water. Neutral gear becomes comfortable.
Satan’s opposition then relaxes—his relentless, oppressive thrust subsides. No longer does he feel the need to oppress and hold back the efforts of the person that once made a difference in other people’s lives, because that worker has ceased to be a threat. Think about it. If opposition has stopped, and there is little or no challenges from the devil any longer, how close to the edge of giving up are they?
None of us are an island unto ourselves. Christians strengthen one another whenever the need arises. Everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and God uses talents, positive influence, and the faithfulness of brothers and sisters in Christ to help those that are getting too close to the edge. We need one another in times like this—the family of God.
When tiredness occurs and the edge of giving up is creeping closer to one’s busy schedule; if that person rests for a spell to catch a second wind, they should quickly renew their zeal and become active again doing the work of the Lord before complacency grabs them.
A place where they don’t want to be is on the outside looking in; seeing someone else filling the vacancy that was created when they left for too long a period. By just saying, “I know I should be involved and using my talent for the Lord,” does not get the job done. A commitment and follow through of that commitment is needed; not a ho-hum attitude.
Worse yet is seeing no-one fill the vacancy at all, and watching the program of God suffer in areas where tiredness and instability grabbed a once faithful person. They know they should be helping out, but don’t. With all the wrestling back and forth, anyone can have a stubborn streak and not listen to the voice of God if they do nothing to rid themselves of the lack of interest that has befallen them.
God knows when a Christian commits to a Godly task they are most happy and fulfilled. He wants Believers to feel alive and vibrant. (Matthew 5:9), “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” There is no feeling like knowing you are in the will of the Lord.
(Matthew 5:13), “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing, but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” vs.14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” vs.15 ”Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” vs.16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Responsibility, accountability, and dependability must once again be awakened within the person that is feeling weary in the work of Jesus. It is time for the veil of sleep to be lifted. When tiredness has been shaken from oneself, the quiet, dull existence changes into real victory. An awakening from the comatose they were in is reignited with newly found energy as they return to the work of God.
As God’s children sincerely pray for His strength and revitalization, tired spirits again soar like an eagle in flight. God brings revival to teetering behaviors and thoughts of giving up. God has a place of ministry for each of His children. There is always something to do for the Kingdom of God
(Isaiah 40:31), “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be wear, they shall walk and not faint.”
When a dormant Christian becomes re-acquainted with responsibility, and they decide to again stand in the gap with God’s workforce, this commitment prevents the devil from getting a foothold, called complacency. They are blessed—others are blessed.
God uses Believers to strengthen those that are in their weakest hour. Encouragement and words of love prevent them from teetering on the edge of giving up. It is important for those that are strong to encourage brothers and sisters in Christ that are weak. Read (Romans 14)—it tells how to treat a weak Christian.
(Isaiah 35:3-4), “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.” vs.4 “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’ ”
Written by,
Papa Boyd
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