Withering Faith Equals Withering Christians

It is sad but true that for many Christians their relationship with Christ grows old and becomes stagnant. Their faith in Jesus withers. The relationship with Christ that was once vibrant and exciting becomes boring and stale. These people continue to attend church, they "do ministry", participate in praise and worship and say all the right words. But inside the fire is out. Their walk with Christ is stagnant, moldy and stinky like water that has remained in the same spot with no movement for a long time.

How does this happen? It certainly isn't God's fault when we decide that other things are more important than placing Him first on our priority list. Jesus says in John 15:4, "Remain in me, and I will remain in you." If our relationship with Christ is to be fresh, vibrant and exciting we need to be walking with Him every day. Our relationship with Him must be growing daily leaving no room for stillness or stagnation. John 15:6 says, "If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned." How is your relationship with Christ today? Is it withering? Is it stagnant? Is it old and boring?

How do I know if my relationship with Christ is withering? Are you going to church because you feel you have to rather than because you want to? Are you finding it more and more difficult to read your Bible and pray? When you do read your Bible is it more like a textbook? When you pray is it challenging to concentrate and focus on God?

If we are slackers when it comes to spending quality time with Christ beware! If missing church really doesn't bother us anymore beware! If compromise has become part of our lifestyle beware! Our commitment to Christ is in danger and beginning to wither.
So what can we do if we find ourselves in a place where we have lost our passion for God?

We can renew our passion by:
1. Serving and Worshiping God out of love and not obligation. - When was the last time that we truly blocked out everything during praise and worship and focused on God?
2. Make time to pursue God in Bible study and prayer. - James 4:8 says that when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us.
3. Be a walking testimony everywhere you go. Allow others to see Christ in you.
Withering faith requires attention or we will completely fall prey to Satan. God is calling us to a new level in our Christian relationship. He has so much for us to do for the Kingdom. Seek Him today with a genuine heart and He will renew your passion.
Blessings!