In recent days I have come to believe that the church is in need of revival. Not only do I believe the church in general is in such need, but I believe my own local congregation is in such need. Why? It is because of the disease of spiritual dullness.
Revival is the Cure
What is spiritual dullness? Let me explain. In Mark Shaw’s book, 10 Great Ideas from Church History, the author points to the Puritan Minister, Jonathan Edwards, for an understanding of when revival is the great need.
Edwards taught that spiritual dullness grips a Christian and even a church “when the realities of God and his gospel grow so dim, and unbelief and worldly affections so strong, that the heart of the church wanders to the lusts and rivalries of a secularized mind.”[1]
Dullness can be seen when Christians are in open sin for which they have no intention of repenting. When believers cherish various vices or engage in unbiblical sexual relationships, pursue dishonest gain, participate in gossip, or transgress into thievery it is evidence that dullness has taken root.
This condition can also be seen when believers are engaged in the ritual and routines of religion without engaging their heart and their passions toward God. How many of our churches are filled with people who mouth the words of hymns and prayers, but only out of habit with no heart or earnestness. This too is an indication that dullness has invaded like a virus.
This isn’t complex. When we drift from a surrendered, loving, and dependent relationship with God we are in need of revival.
Revival is the cure for spiritual dullness.
So what is revival and how do we experience it?
Simple!
Revival is returning to God. It is repenting of the sin that caused you to drift from a totally surrendered relationship with him. It is re-establishing an all encompassing relationship with the Lord through Jesus Christ. It is getting back to the basics of scripture, prayer, and obedience to God.
Have you drifted? Have you lost your first love for the God who loves you enough to send Christ to die for your sins? (Revelation 2:4) Is it not time to confess your sin and re-surrender your entire life to God?
If so, why not right now come to Father God?
- Acknowledge that he has authority over your life and that he wants to pour his life into yours.
- Admit that you have sinned pushing God to the margin of your life.
- Turn from that sin and trust in the forgiveness of God made possible because of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross.
- Surrender to God’s lordship and commit to being obedient to his commands.
- Give to him all that you are and everything you have.
Spiritual dullness is a grave spiritual disease, but revival (a returning to God and his ways) is the cure.
Challenge: Come to God thoroughly repenting of sins that have caused you to drift and surrender afresh to the ways and commands of Christ.
Question: What are indications you have seen which give evidence of spiritual dullness? How do you suggest one pursues revival in their personal life and the life of their local congregation? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
[1] Mark Shaw, 10 Great Ideas from Church History: A Decision-Maker’s Guide to Shaping Your Church, IVP Books, Downers Grove, Illinois, p. 116.
When a believer feel complacent and that all is okay with their walk, I certainly feel that is a mark of Spiritual dullness. Our pride makes us feel we’ve “arrived” and there isn’t anymore to learn or growth to achieve. As followers of Christ, growth should be a consistent part of our walk with Him. We should always be humbly aware of what Christ is wishing to reveal to us.
“Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:12-14
You are so right when you say, “growth should be a consistent part of our walk with Him.” Amen!
We as Believers need to walk the walk worthy of His call. We need to total surrender to God every day. As we walk humbly; we are leaning and growing each day. In this life, we need to make the right choices by taking his cross and follow Him. In that way, we are being obedient and fulfilled in this life by living out the Gospel, which is Christ our new identity..
This teaching is very help to me. God will help us to be righteous conscious in Jesus name
we are spiritually dull when we stop studying the bible and asking God daily to teach us his word through the comforter. reading and cramming the whole bible is not what am saying rather asking the comforter to teach us and let the word of God transform your life. there is nothing that can stand this end time if not the word.the word of God is a lamp unto my feet. If my word abides in you then you can ask whatever, because then you cant ask amiss. If you continue in my word then you are thoroughly my disciple. Any believer who just takes only from the crumbs fro the pulpit this days without going to study by asking the holy spirit to teach him or her is spiritually dead.