Renewing Your Passion: Rekindling the Fire in Your Faith
In our spiritual journeys, there often comes a time when we find ourselves operating on autopilot. Our once-vibrant faith becomes routine, and we settle into a comfortable yet stagnant rhythm. But what if we could reignite that initial spark? What if we could renew our passion for God and His church with the same enthusiasm as newlyweds renewing their vows?
The concept of renewing our spiritual passion is not unlike renewing wedding vows. It takes us back to the beginning of our love affair with God, energizing us and making us want to put in the effort to keep the relationship strong. Just as couples recommit to their marriage, we too must periodically recommit to our faith, especially when we find ourselves growing weary or complacent.
It's all too easy to become guilty of letting things slip, putting spiritual matters on the back burner, or relegating Jesus from the co-pilot's seat to somewhere in the back of our lives. Whether it's due to losing focus, forgetting to prioritize, or becoming too comfortable in our faith walk, we often find ourselves in need of a spiritual reboot.
The danger of becoming too comfortable in our faith is that we may no longer pose a threat to the enemy or remain effective in spiritual warfare. We must remember that spiritual warfare is a daily, deliberate, and dangerous reality. The stakes are high, and we cannot afford to lose this battle. Instead of always playing defense, it's time we move to offense, claiming victory over the enemy rather than just fighting against him.
One key area where we need to renew our passion is in our approach to church attendance. How often do we show up to church with no expectations, no enthusiasm, and no excitement? We must remember that expectation is the breeding ground for miracles. Our enthusiasm shows how much we have left in our spiritual gas tank. The word 'enthusiasm' itself comes from 'en theos,' meaning 'in God.' When we approach church with genuine enthusiasm, we're demonstrating that we're filled with God's presence.
Consider this: if we believe that people need to go to church, shouldn't we strive to be a church worth going to? A church focused more on comfort, convenience, and warm fuzzies will never lead people to breakthrough in their lives or have a significant impact on others. We need to be challenged in our faith, moved to uncomfortable places, and called to step up our game if we're ever going to fulfill what God has called us to be.
King David understood the importance of God's house. In Psalm 122, he exclaimed, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go to the house of the Lord." David knew God intimately, experienced His anointing, and understood the refreshing that comes from being in God's presence. For him, the house of God was a place of healing, miracles, and personal growth.
However, even strong churches can lose their way. In Revelation 2, Jesus addresses a church that had forsaken its first love. Despite their good deeds, hard work, and perseverance, they had forgotten the 'why' behind their actions. This serves as a potent reminder for us to constantly check our motivations and ensure we're not just going through the motions.
So, what would a passion-filled church look like? Better yet, what if Jesus were the pastor? Such a church would likely be:
Risk-taking: Always walking by faith, stepping out before knowing the full outcome.
Hungry for God: Creating an environment that fans the flames of devotion and cheers people on in their spiritual race.
Others-focused: Actively seeking to reach out and make a difference in people's lives, both inside and outside the church walls.
Praying: Recognizing prayer as the 'secret sauce' that makes everything work, understanding that revival comes from great praying, not just great preaching.
Embracing the Holy Spirit: Acknowledging this as the dispensation of the Holy Spirit and allowing His power to work freely.
To renew our passion, we must remember that coming to church isn't just about showing up – it's about coming to Jesus. It's not just about seeking God's hand, but seeking Him with our whole heart. It's about offering ourselves as living sacrifices, not just going through the motions of worship.
Passion changes everything. Whether it's in our marriages, our work, or our spiritual lives, increased passion leads to positive change. When we approach our faith with renewed vigor, we create an atmosphere where God can move powerfully.
As we reflect on these truths, let's challenge ourselves to stir up our passion for God. Let's pray for an increase in our spiritual fervor, asking God to do something fresh on the inside of us. It's time to move beyond comfortable Christianity and embrace a faith that's alive, dynamic, and transformative.
Remember, the church is not just an organization – it's the bride of Christ, established by the Holy Spirit. Despite its imperfections, it remains God's chosen vehicle for reaching the world. Let's renew our love for the church, recognizing its vital role in God's plan for humanity.
In closing, let's commit to being a people marked by passion – passion for God, passion for His church, and passion for reaching others. As we do, we'll find ourselves living out a faith that's vibrant, impactful, and deeply satisfying. May our renewed passion spark a spiritual awakening that touches not only our lives but the lives of those around us.
