SPIRITUAL FLABBINESS?
17th Sep 2014
I was reading a magazine article about a lady who had become dangerously obese. It didn’t happen overnight, it had crept up on her. She had to face the truth of being overweight, unfit and in a dangerous and vulnerable condition. She knew about healthy eating and the beneficial effect of exercise. Knowing has to be changed into Action!
With this in mind I began to meditate on Jude verses 20 & 21 in The Message, “But you, dear friends, carefully (deliberately) build yourself up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying in the centre of God’s love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ.”
Nothing passive here, rather a spiritual exercise programme -
1. Praying in the Holy Spirit which builds you up (1 Corinthians 14:4), your natural mind is by-passed, you connect with God’s Holy Spirit who gives you the words to pray according to the perfect will of God.
I don’t know how to pray for the world’s trouble spots - God does. It’s hard work interceding - try 5 minutes directed prayer in the Spirit, it’s not that easy, and then as you get stronger increase the time, maybe go for a walk at the same time for a real work out!
2. Staying in the centre of God’s love is not for the feint hearted, it is a decision to turn constantly to God’s resources. Self effort doesn’t work, its training yourself to access heavenly resources immediately you discover shortfall. Do the love check in 1 Corinthians 13
3. Keep active in the faith area - arms wide open and expectant, waiting for God’s promises to become reality in your specific situation. Don’t allow fear to sap your spiritual strength.
Spiritual flabbiness creeps up on us, so let’s take stock, choose to exercise and work with the Holy Spirit to effect change in ourselves and in the world we live in.
by Joyce Sibthorpe
