Time for revival? - Cruising in neutral before the Lord.
Within a short period of time after being born again, most christians learn enough scripture that if they were to do that which they learned, they would be mighty in the Lord! Turn to anybody who has walked in the Lord for a while and ask them to quote two of the most important scriptures they know. For example, let’s say they choose the following two scriptures.
1) In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. (Matthew 7:12)
2) Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
If they applied these two scriptures unto their utmost, what kind of christian would they become? What I am saying is our knowledge usually far exceeds our doing! It is easy to pick up knowledge since it doesn’t cost as much as applying it. Our goal should be to use all that we know to its fullest.
If you observe christians in their walk, you will find three basic states including growing, neutral, and backsliding. Obviously you want to be a growing christian and you don’t want to be a backsliding christian. What is more common is the christian who is in neutral and is coasting along. This is such an easy state to get into because it takes no effort and in the short run it feels good. Being in neutral is just like being in neutral in a car, you press the accelerator and the engine roars like a mighty lion, but the scenery outside the window doesn’t change. Going into neutral is not like slamming on the breaks and suddenly your face meets the windshield, but it is a more gradual process where it is done one step at a time. One way to examine yourself is to look at what activities where you spend the bulk of your time. Whatever it is, that will be your number one priority in life. If you filter out activities for securing the basic necessities of life, what remains are the activities of your own freewill. Do these activities reflect the will and glory of God? Who do they put first?
Jesus said, ”But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33) Many years ago when I was in college, I was taking a course on business law. The night before a big test in the class, I stayed up all night ministering to someone. Going into that night, I knew that it would cost me my grade in the class to take the test with out preparing, but knowing the scripture (Matthew 6:33) I did it anyways. When it came time to take the test I said to the Lord that I did what you wanted me to do and I could not study for the test and now my grade is your responsibility. As soon as I started to take the test, the peace of the Lord manifested inside of me and it was like my mind opened up and I could remember everything the professor said in the previous weeks with perfect clarity and I actually finished the test early. When the tests were graded and returned, I had the highest score in the class (98 out of 100) by a wide margin. I was kind of astounded. This is not to say you can pull out a scripture and twist the arm of the Lord, but if you earnestly do His will, He will take care of you!
The number one key to pleasing the Lord is to be willing. Your ability to do His will is directly related to your willingness. It doesn’t matter if you lack skills, eloquence, or resources because we know there is nothing that is impossible for God. Coasting along in neutral is no fun for you or God, but engaging in the walk of faith will bring joy to God’s heart and He will in turn will let you know and share His joy with you! If you recognize that you are one of those who are coasting along in neutral, know that God is able to lift you up. What He is looking for from you is your willingness to roll up your sleeves perform according to the capabilities you have. The rest is God’s responsibility.