There are times when I lose my enthusiasm for Christ. Before you judge me, think about yourself for a moment. Are there seasons in which you lose your passion for thing of God? Why is this? He is the King of all kings! He has saved us from ourselves! He has provided us with every spiritual blessing; the Lord protects us from evil, creates in us a new heart, and pours out His unconditional love. The list is long!
How is it that I can get bored with my faith or my God when He’s given me so much?!
Honestly when I stop and ponder who my King is, I can’t help but fall in love all over again. I think that’s the key for not growing bored. I must meditate on God’s goodness every day. But the truth is I often get distracted by the trappings of this world. Once my attention is elsewhere, it’s not long before I’m headed down the wrong path. Suddenly, instead of depending on God for all things, I begin to rely on myself. Oh, I’m still going to church, reading my bible, doing ministry, and praying for my family and others. But I notice something different… my joy is gone. My peace is gone. My faith grows weak. Doubt invades. And my interest in spiritual things reaches an all time low. It’s as if I’m living out of duty instead of passion.
This morning, I was reading Philippians 3: 4-8. I encourage you to check it out. I thought about the apostle Paul as I read. He was a good Jew—just as I’m a good Christian. He flawlessly kept the law—just as I strive to obey God’s law as well. Yet when Paul met Christ on the Damascus road, he realized everything he was living for was taking him down the wrong road. For that reason, Paul counted everything he knew—his education, his achievements, his pursuits and dreams, and his possessions worthless. His sole pursuit would be to know and serve Jesus.
I realize that this is a familiar story to some of you, but it’s worth revisiting. Like Paul, my attention can turn from knowing and serving God to simply living for myself, my goals, my family, my ___________. When I place everything else before Christ, I’m going to lose passion for knowing Him. I want to be like Paul. I want to live for Christ alone. I want to live large for God. I want to live so passionately for Him that others will be drawn to and long for what I have.
What about you? Do you, like Paul, place Christ about everything else in your life? If you’re not sure, ask yourself the following questions:
How do you spend your time?
What dominates your thoughts?
Where are your priorities?
What motivates you?
If Jesus is the most important thing in your life and mine, then our life will revolve around getting to know Him more and more. As we do, our passion will grow more and more. And with Paul, we will be able to say we’ve discovered, “the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus!”
B says
Hi Micca,
It is so easy to get distracted and veer into the world’s lane. I am thankful for the signs He allows to catch our attention. When the Joy meter is almost on E I know to make a u turn. That is definitely not the path the Lord has for any of us. Blessings, B
Karen T. says
Love your new website! Thanks for continuing to keep us on our toes with thinking about our priorities and how we spend our time. Your devotion on friendship last Wednesday was one of my favorites. We should value our friendships and continue to work to make them grow.
Hilda Castillo says
Hi Micca,
First, I want to say that this is the first time I have read your blog. I’m sorry to hear that you think your joy n peace is gone and that your faith is weak. I at one point felt the same with my joy,peace, and faith, when I lost my husband. It’s been 3 years now and have realized that I was never weak with my faith. My faith actually grew stronger from the experience. My joy and peace was never gone, I just didn’t see. Now I see it and am thankful to GOD everyday for it. I never gave up, and you shouldn’t either. At times I would feel discouraged, but who doesn’t. I have realized when i do feel that way, I then open my bible and God steps in and encourages me. He can do the same with you. You have to look at the bright side. Your very privilaged to live another day and to walk and share with others what GOD has done for you. Try to encourage others, don’t ever give up. You will have joy and peace that no one in this world can take away from you. I hope it’s sooner than later. You just have to slow down to realize your blessings. “For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! So don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:17
Our troubles should not diminish our faith. We should realize that there is a purpose in our suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits: They remind us of Christ’s suffering for us; They keep us from pride. They cause us to look beyond this brief life. They give us opportunity to prove our faith to others. They give God the opportunity to demonstrate his power. See your troubles as opportunities! Never give up, even though our bodies might be dying our spirits are renewed every day.
Angela Walker says
Micca,
Thank you so much for that truthfulness. Thank you for saying in words truths about me more often that I would like to mention. It’s funny how God works. On my lunch hour today I was praying for God to consume my mind and heart and to grow me daily closer to Him in and thru his word and the Holy Spirit as I live my daily life. Thank you for this encouraging message reminding me that as life happens we have to continually seek God and make sure He is the numbr 1 priority above everything else that seems to consume our thoughts, heart, and time. Have a sweetly blessed Tuesday.
In Christ,
Angela Walker
Jill says
Hi Micca,
Thanks for your honesty! And for the wonderful encouragement!! God’s been working on me lately and this ties right in, love it when HE confirms things in such wonderful ways! Blessings to you, Jill
Wendy Pope says
micca-i love the new site!