Most Christians have awakened on a Sunday morning feeling far from God.
Church and worship being the last thing on their mind, they roll over and go
back to sleep. Everyone prays at one time or another to avoid this
situation. However disturbing this picture might seem, it is, none the
less, an experience that many Christians go through. Some how they have let
the flame of faith die out. There are, however, some practical steps that
you and I can take as believers to fan a dying flame or to keep a blazing
fire going through the toughest of trials.
...pray without ceasing...
I Thess. 5:17(KJV)
The first step to fanning the flame is to pray. Prayer is our communication
with the Father and his communication with us. In order to maintain an
active and growing relationship with someone, you must communicate with
them. Many marriages are in trouble or have completely failed from a lack
of communication. Our role as the bride of Christ and our relationship with
the bridegroom is no different. If we want our union with the blessed
Trinity to flourish we must communicate often and effectively.
Study to show thyself approved...
II Tim. 2:15(KJV)
Failing to study scripture is one of the main reasons that people leave the
faith. The reason for this is that the sacred scriptures define for us who
God is, who we are, who Jesus is, and what our relationship is to all three.
In II Tim 3:16,17(RSV) Paul tells Timothy, "all scripture is inspired by
God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for
training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for
every good work." If we desire to know who God is and what our relationship
to him is, then we need to study the scriptures. Furthermore, the
scriptures give us a detailed description of how to maintain our walk with
Christ.
...and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging
one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near.
Heb. 10:24-25(RSV)
The third key principle is to draw support from fellow believers. This can
be accomplished in several ways, the first of which is corporate worship or
church services. Considering the multitude of denominations, it should be
relatively easy for any Christian to find a style of worship that fits their
particular personality. The name of the denomination, or the lack thereof,
is of little importance. The important thing is that Christ and him
crucified be the center of the worship and that you worship him in spirit
and in truth. The next way to draw support from you fellow believers is to
join and accountability group. James urges the church to, "confess your
sins to one another, and to pray for one another, that you may be
healed...", James 5:16(RSV). Being part of a group of Christian men or
women who are willing to share their shortcomings with one another aids us
in receiving spiritual healing for our sin-stained nature. Furthermore, we
are able to pray and intercede for one another's deliverance. The last way
to draw support from other Christians is to pray and conduct devotionals
with you spouse and children on a weekly basis. Christ Jesus said, "For
where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst of
them." Matt. 18:20(RSV). Simply gathering together, in his name, at a set
time, once a week with your family to pray, read sacred scripture, and to
discuss daily trials will immensely strengthen your walk with Christ, and
maintain the fire of your life.
Other suggestions for maintaining the fire or fanning a flame that is dying
are:
1. Begin daily devotionals. These should consist, at least, of scripture
reading and prayer.
2. Purchase a one year bible or a Revised Common Lectionary to aid you in
reading scripture. The lectionary is designed to allow you full reading of
the bible in three years.
3. Purchase a devotional book such as My Utmost for His Highest. These type
of devotional books usually contain short passages that can be read in a few
minutes and are very thought provoking.
4. Set concrete times for all your quiet times, daily devotionals and prayer
times. This will increase your likelihood of sticking to your schedule.
There are times in every Christian's life when they feel as though they have
extinguished the flame of faith in their lives. Close introspection would
reveal that they had forsaken the principles of prayer, scripture study and
meeting with other believers. These three things are the key elements to
maintaining the fire and "running the race set before us."
" And I am sure that he who began a good work in you will bring it to
completion at the day of Jesus Christ. "
Phil. 1:6(RSV)