The signs of a slumbering soul

Spiritual lethargy has always been a problem that faces the church, argues Stuart Blount.

We all know that sleep is important, and usually get reminded of that fact when we miss out on a good night’s sleep and feel the effects throughout the day until we can slide under the duvet once more.

The Harvard Women’s Health Watch recently produced an excellent article outlining the benefits of sleeping well.

It said that sleep was essential for us as humans in several ways: for learning and memory, metabolism, weight, safety, mood and cardiovascular health, as well as helping the body fight off a range of other diseases.

I once asked some friends what conditions mattered most for them to get a good night’s sleep. The results included: silence, darkness, comfort and routine.

These would probably be very common answers.

However, it is the opposite of this I am really writing about.

This article is about awakening, and I want to ask how we can ensure we don’t sleep well! How do we avoid finding ourselves in a state of spiritual slumber?

Spiritual lethargy has always been a problem that faces the church.

I wonder if it’s true also that a lack of true attentiveness to God hinders the advance of the church in the UK in the 21st century.

Indifference and apathy to a fervent relationship with God among Christians means that the church and its leaders spend more time trying to stir devotion and passion than we do reaching and transforming our decaying society.

The longing of God is for a people who are truly AWAKE to him!

THIS ISN'T THE END OF THE STORY!

Read the whole article in context in the April 2024 issue of Direction Magazine.

Direction Magazine

Direction is the official monthly publication of the Elim Pentecostal Churches in the UK, and is packed with all Elim's latest news, inspiration, vision and teaching. Find the latest edition and many back issues of Direction here.