Begin and End with the Spirit of God

Baby Christians are so inspiring! They are filled with such energy and passion for Christ. They see Jesus as their close friend. They are hungry for His truth and they just can’t seem to get enough of Him. They are enamored by the grace and power of God’s Spirit that lives inside them. They soak up what the Spirit teaches them and their lives drip with His presence.  It’s the same with church plants. The energy felt is like the excitement before vacation. You just can’t wait to see what God has in store for you and His church body. Their expectations are high and their faith strong! 

However, often times as the days, months, and years of being a Christian go by, or when a church grows, there are some who lose their saltiness-they lose their taste. They dry up. They will lay dormant the Spirit of God and quench His power. Those in this place seem to be unaware that they have changed. Nonetheless, even in their unawares they have noticed that the power once experienced has diminished. Suddenly they no longer see the influence they once had on others. They become stagnant and feel hopeless. In this condition, what are some of the ways these Christians (or churches) try to overcome their complacency?

Some work harder. They find more to do. In church ministry, they create community events, more church programs, compelling service projects, etc. These aren't wrong, but if activity is the fire that fans the flame, be assured it will eventually die. Feeling worn out, burned out, and overwhelmed begin to burden the Christian (and the church body). Often the questions posed from these individuals are, “Is this all there is,” or “Why do I feel so dead?” Soon they realize that they are just like the Jews who heard Isaiah say, “Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there – so that they will go and fall backward, be injured and snared and captured.” They aimlessly work and work becoming more tired and weak. They end up wasting themselves and God’s resources as they labor; in the end their endeavors are not winning anyone to Christ, just sapping their body and the body of Christ.

Some read more books and attend more conferences. They are running here and there learning how other churches make the impact on their community. They seek the answers to questions, “How to grow our church?” or “How to experience the “wow” in ministry or the Christian life?” They seek and seek, but soon realize the truth of Solomon, “of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body” (Ecclesiastes 12:11b). Yes, they learn a few new things and implement them into their own life (or ministry); it works for a time, but they eventually wind up back in that complacent place wondering how to revive their soul with the energy they once had in in their beginning with Christ.

Paul addresses this problem with a question in which we find the answer: “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” (Galatians 3:3). God never intended to give us His Spirit so that we can live the Christian life by our flesh. His Spirit is a gift to us; without Him controlling our lives, we will experience defeat, apathy, complacency and failure. It doesn't really matter how many “good” things we do or seek; if we are not seeking to do and be through the Spirit of God, we will fail, run in circles, and tire from our efforts.

If our flesh could live righteously, why do we need Jesus? Reading books, attending conferences, doing service projects, holding events are all good IF they are led by the Spirit of God. They cannot be man-led nor can they be man-inspired. Don’t make the mistake and believe the lie that what was Spirit-led by one church or one individual means it is for your church or for you. God works with each of us as individuals. That is one of the reasons I feel so loved by my Heavenly Father. When Jesus looks at me, He sees me not someone else He wants me to be. He desires to fill my individuality with His power. Likewise, each church body has their own individuality that He desires to saturate with His energy not our flesh. After all, our flesh has its limits, but God’s power through His Spirit knows none!  I ask you, if you have lost your fervor and feel dead, then recover your life by submitting to the Spirit of God and die to your flesh.