RENEWING YOUR PASSION FOR GOD

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi

John 6:60,66 "Many therefore of his disciples, when they  had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?..From that  time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  "
      At first our coming to the lord is for a need to be met and this is why miracles take place in the church. God wants our needs met and beyond that He is seeking for true worshipers, disciples and instruments through whom others needs can be met.
        Discipleship requires standing for the truth at all times ,demands a high level of discipline and a willingness to take on responsibilities.  It is this aspect of following Christ that most persons are least interested in because it requires selflessness .The average Christian struggles with selfishness and this is behind  the crisis we face daily. Research shows that only about 10% of the population in the average church are committed to winning souls for God's kingdom ,80% are lukewarm or part time parishioners ,while the remaining 10% are spiritually inactive spectators with no interest in church activities. The scriptures says in Matthew 22:14" For many are called, but few are chosen. "
    Being lukewarm makes one an easy prey in the hands of Satan .Out of over a hundred disciples that once worked with Jesus, the majority abandoned Him when He demanded for a higher level of commitment from them. He was left with twelve and yet was able to fulfill His mission on earth, a confirmation that God isn't limited by human numbers: it took one man: Joseph, to save Egypt, another man: Jonah, to save Nineveh, it also took Daniel and his three friends to change the political and spiritual landscape of ancient Babylon. Do not underestimate the potency of God's gift upon you.
        Abandonment doesn't translate to you not being good enough as in the case of Jesus.We should not feel guilty at the exit of persons in our lives, rather see it as proof of our being uncompromisingly righteous. The sinful  nature of man is incompatible with the character of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:17 AMP says"For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the [Holy] Spirit, and the [desires of the] Spirit are opposed to the flesh (godless human nature); for these are antagonistic to each other [continually withstanding and in conflict with each other], so that you are not free but are prevented from doing what you desire to do."
       In John 6:66 the bible says" they worked no more with Him" because they were carnally motivated : that did not change the intensity of Jesus' teachings as some preachers do for fear of rejection (Jer.1:5-8). One needs a constant stream of sound doctrine to grow spiritually (2Pet2:2). Neglecting the word of God automatically results in backsliding (loss of passion for God) consequently one seizes to be God's mouth piece(Rev.3:15,16) resulting in the loss of credibility and honour. Immediate repentance is the cure from the adverse effects of losing one's "first love" for Jesus ( Rev2:4-5)
          It is very easy to lose sight of the heavenly goal once a person is full of his or her own ways (Proverbs 14:14). Anxiety leads to persons giving themselves unrealistic deadlines and it negatively affects how they worship God . God isn't obligated to answer a requests whose outcome is of  no benefit in the propagation of the gospel .. Such requests are usually idols which compete with God for our hearts (Ezekiel 14:7-8,1Tim 6:9) therefore, we shouldn't be offended when they are not granted especially when our commitment to the lord is questionable . The scriptures says in Luke 16:11" If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? "
         God doesn't commit genuine articles to unfaithful persons.The backsliding person doesn't believe it is profitable to live according to God's word (Malachi3:14) and easily quits during difficult times ( Matthew 13:20-21 ) they are only motivated by money(.John10:12-13).
       Some of the factors that lead to backsliding include an addiction to worldly pleasures and love for money (Hebrews 11 :14-15, Matthew 13:22),not being informed in the word of the Lord (Matt :726-27,1Tim1:19) .Being angry every time the truth of God's word is taught  (Ephesians 4:18-19,prov.29:1, Hebrews 12:15) and a double-minded approach to scriptures while holding on to occultism  which contradict scriptures  (Acts19:19, Hosea 10:2,James 1:6-8). Pride and the refusal to receive correction (Proverbs.15:10,Job33:9,10),secret sins (Prov.28:13). Spending more time with church- haters than church folks ( James4:4,Proverbs 13:20),always murmuring about church activities while forgetting past benefits from the church  ( Numbers 14:27-30)
          Backsliding leads to loss of sensitivity thus making one vulnerable to disaster , the lord always warns us of impending danger before they occur (Amos 3:3)but due to loss of hearing and sight caused by backsliding we run into them. As we repent and return back to the word and the church family , we receive healing ( Rev.3:18). As you read this now, receive grace for revival in your prayer life and the revelation of God’s word in Jesus name.
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email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com