3/8/2023
​
What are the reactions we get when we try to awaken someone from a deep sleep? Shock? Apathy? Anger?  Or, do we get no response at all? Lol

When Jesus tells us many times over, to “Watch,” and when the New Testament writers exhort us to “awaken out of sleep”… it is, undoubtedly, because Christians may choose to NOT go on, actively, watching.  Perhaps, we have allowed ourselves to grow spiritually apathetic and unable to hear the still, small voice of God's Holy Spirit attempting to teach us and to warn us... leading us to ACTION in the Kingdom of Heaven!

I submit to you that this is a very dangerous position or state of mind to be in. For, when we are comfortably enjoying this physical world, focusing in on earthly values… spiritual weakness sets in and our hands and knees become “feeble.” It is then that we become susceptible to “stumbling out of the way” and “failing of the grace of God.” Because we are not fully awake, we lack spiritual discernment. (Hebrews 12:12-15)

It is at this point in our Christian life... DANGER COMES! We are confronted with temptation. We are confronted with attacks against our faith. Our culture changes around us.  We aren't supposed to affirm them in their sin - because we profess Christ as our Lord and we stand upon His Holy Word. So, when we try to honor God, we become the enemy of family and friends… and the STATE. It is no longer pleasant to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It is no longer advantageous to proclaim His name. Your comfortable life and family relationships are at stake if you continue choosing to “believe.”  But you are WEAK and more in tune with your earthly, fleshly needs than you are with Kingdom values.  You can't keep trying to appease both God and man.  And, so... you choose to give in to the "fear of man."

Can you stop believing in Jesus? Yes… you can. And the weaker you allow yourself to become and the more feeble your spiritual knees are, the easier it will be to “fall away.” You may try to justify it in your own mind and heart… but God knows your heart. He knows you have chosen “another love.” He knows you have chosen to “save your life” and to “return to bondage.” He did everything to “keep you” but you failed to “keep yourself." You failed to run your race. And, you failed to keep the faith.

Awaken and Watch, Christian! Watch… and do not allow anyone else to rock you to sleep with the idea that your “perseverance in the faith” is all God’s doing. He drew you and saved you… Yes. But He also provided you with a redeemed free-will to glorify Him by making difficult choices to “die to yourself,” to “carry your cross,” and to “endure unto the end.” For THEN… there is a crown of life awaiting us!
And, our eternal inheritance will be made sight!  To God be the glory!