Avoiding Spiritual Anemia

"For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith" - Heb 4:2-3

I’ve become sensitive to the Christians around me. Perhaps I take “pasturing” too seriously.

I am also working very hard at reflecting back to myself when I find things in others that “hurt my heart/spirit.” One condition seems to be a sign of the times. I would call it spiritual anemia. Anemia is defined as a deficiency of hemoglobin, a molecule found inside red blood cells (RBCs). Since hemoglobin normally carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues, anemia leads to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) in organs. As we know oxygen is life to humans.

I run into anemic Christian’s everyday. They have a form of our faith but fail to mix their belief with faith and obedience to produce outcomes that further the Kingdom of God. The apostle Paul described them when he said, "these people have a form of godliness but deny its power." – 2 Timothy 3:5

Lord, help me to avoid a weak-minded, non-productive bloodless faith. I asked the Lord to show me what are the telltale signs of anemic faith? When you no longer pray about decisions, you have anemic faith. When you fail to speak to others about their relationship with God, you have anemic faith. When you're unwilling to spend time with God everyday, your faith has become anemic. You no longer have a living faith. And, finally, when there are things about your faith and what is the Bible-based faith of the New Testament that offends, annoy, upset or make you uncomfortable then you have an anemic faith.

God spoke to John, the apostle, through a vision and told him about some Christians who were part of the church in Laodicea:

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see" - Rev 3:14-18.

These are strong words from our Lord. We are all susceptible to growing cold and anemic in our faith. Today, ask God to revive your heart and to restore the fire of your faith so that you will experience a vibrant and active faith that impacts the kingdom of darkness in a world that is currently attempting with deep conviction against you, your faith and the God you love to put out our light forever.

Now is the time to strengthen our resolve. It is a time to emblazon on the hearts of our sphere of influence a message to recognize the greatest life that has ever walked the earth. Let’s be emboldened by it. Let’s act on our faith.

I remain…
InHISgrip,
~J~