Eternal Security or Eternal Lethargy

I just read an interesting and helpful article by Thom Rainer entitled 10 Reasons We Have Not Reached the Unchurched.   The article provides a good opportunity to see how we are doing individually and as leaders.  His first "reason" is...  


1. Spiritual Lethargy 
One of the main reasons many Christians do not share their faith is simply explained by the word disobedience. Spiritual lethargy takes place when we fail to obey Him. The problem for many Christians is that they are not growing spiritually, and lack of spiritual growth inevitably leads to a diminished desire to share Christ with others.  (Keep Reading). 


With all due respect to Thom, I would consider rethinking the first point.  I think we are talking about three separate issues here.  First, I believe that when we focus on "growing" instead of "loving" we run the risk of getting distracted from "the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ" (2 Cor 11:4).  Additionally, I believe lethargy and disobedience are two separate issues.  Either one can lead to the other.  But, I believe they should be treated individually. Disobedience is obvious.  We are commanded to love and reach out to the lost--if we are not even trying, there's a problem.  


However, lethargy is much more subtle and invasive.  I believe lethargy happens when try to live our relationship with God on cruise control.  We are going through the motions--even having devotions, but the thrill is gone.  We've lost our first love.  At that point, we are no longer amazed by God's grace.  We take it for granted and we lose sight of the wondrous treasure that we have to share and how desperately people need what we have to offer.  They may just not realize it yet.

For those still reading (thank you).  When I was a junior in high school, I received a second opportunity to earn a passing grade in American History.  Picture a classroom of underachievers (I've since repented--but I did fit in at the time.).  The teacher, trying to be a nice guy, essentially promised us that if we showed up for class and didn't burn down the building that we would pass the class.  If we weren't motivated before, can you imagine the motivation level now.  Sure, we appreciated the kindness and the building is still standing.  But, I can not remember one other thing the teacher said that entire summer.  

I believe wholeheartedly in the eternal security of those who truly believe.  However, sometimes I feel that our eternal security can lead us to eternal lethargy if we are not careful.  You see, I (and probably you) came to a point where I realized that I was going to get a failing grade in trying to live for God.  As I read the Gospels and saw Jesus' standards and that He was the one who would judge us (John 5:19-24), I placed my life in His hands and trusted that He paid the price for my sins.  He then promises that He holds us in His hand and that no one can snatch us out of His loving grip.  (John 10:27-30).  So, like my American History class, my own efforts failed but now I know although I deserve a failing grade, Jesus has saved and will keep me.

The question for me then is, "Am I still amazed and motivated by this grace?" or "Do I just coast along for the ride?"  

Help for personal prayer

Many people have found prayer particularly challenging. They muster up all their self-discipline and courage. They get on their knees and then say, “What do I do now?!” Personally, I have often found it helpful to have a variety of resources available to help me stay focused during prayer. I share this not because I am a spiritual giant with much to offer. I share these because I often find it such a struggle to get started in prayer and even after getting started to then stay focused.

I may be a little unusual, but I have found a countdown timer extremely helpful. If I have set aside a certain span of time for prayer, I found that I would be checking the clock way too often to make sure I didn’t go overtime—like that’s a real worry! I found that if I set a countdown timer, my mind is no longer distracted by the clock.

Perhaps the most helpful resource I have ever found for prayer is God’s Word itself. Sometimes we pray way too mildly because we may not be sure that something is God’s will. When we turn Bible verses that we are reading into actual prayers for ourselves and others, we can be pretty sure we are praying in God’s will. You’ll see an example on page 2 in the downloadable document (below).

Finally, I have often found a pattern of prayer has helped me to stay focused and balanced in my prayers. It’s so easy to only come to God when we want something. We all have friends that only seem to pop up when they are in need. How do you feel when you see them coming? I think you get the idea. There are many similar prayer methods, etc. The following pattern has been a tremendous help for me.
Click here to download Resources for Personal Prayer (pdf)..