This writer has long loved the good and honest hearts of God’s people that recognize their shortcomings and have the strength and desire to open up and ask the pressing questions that trouble the soul. Some time ago, I was asked a question that went something like this, “How can I get the fire back I once had? How can I get motivated to be the Christian I know I need to be?” Both of these are very important questions that many of us may have asked hoping to receive an answer that would solve the problem or dilemma. Though the answers could be many, I believe that it is as basic as this: Get plugged in and stay plugged in.
There are times when we see such a fire in the bellies of new Christians. Too many times, this fire is quickly snuffed out because of many reasons. How can Christians stay “plugged in” once they have obeyed the Gospel and have entered into the family of God? Consider these brief suggestions.
Get plugged into the Bible and Bible class. The apostle Paul told Timothy to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). How in the world can we know the Word of God if we are negligent when it comes to a study of His Divine Truth? A wonderful way to study the Bible is to gather together with those of like precious faith (2 Peter 1:1). Earlier in another letter, Peter told his recipients to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Peter 3:15). The only way to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus (2 Peter 3:18) is to desire the Word, drink from it (1 Peter 2:2) and growth will follow. Only then can a solid answer be given!
Get plugged into Worship. We all may have our favorite preachers or teachers of the Gospel. There may be times when we just cannot follow or keep interested in every lesson. I have often told parents that they can obtain CDs of my lessons in case their children (or they) have difficulty sleeping. You may have thought or heard someone say, “I didn’t get anything out of that sermon!” I can truthfully say that there have been sermons that I may not have enjoyed hearing. Some may have had very little substance, and others may have been a bit drawn out for my liking, but I sincerely believe that when we plug into almost any lesson, we can walk away with something beneficial. Instead of thinking “we have to go to worship,” let us with joy remind each other how blessed we are to get to enter worship together! Many are not privileged or able to worship with brethren.
Get plugged into sweet Fellowship. One of the greatest blessings of God is family. Some of us are blessed to have great relationships with blood or physical family. What about our spiritual family? Do you know those with whom you share your faith? It is likely that there are those among us that we have not met. Some may have even been members for some time, but our paths have not crossed very often if ever. Why? Either we or they have not been plugged in! Our greatest strength is often the encouragement, concern and love received by our church family. May we all strive to get plugged in and stay plugged in. We start by being here every time the doors are open. See you next time!
