Falling asleep as a Christian is dangerous and deadly. Jesus warns us of this peril. If we are born again Christians, are we DENYING OURSELVES and FOLLOWING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS? Or, are we like the church Jesus addressed who have a name that we’re alive, but are dead; who are asleep and need to wake up?
“To the leader of the church in Sardis: “I know your reputation as a live and active church, but YOU ARE DEAD. NOW WAKE UP! I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, what you have received and heard; HOLD IT FAST, AND REPENT. If you don’t wake up, I WILL COME TO YOU SUDDENLY, as unexpected as a thief.” (Rev. 3:1-3)
I was troubled with a sleep disorder and assigned a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. After LEARNING how to use it, I now BREATH MUCH BETTER and as a result, sleep much better. Just like LEARNING to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit is the only way to really live a wide awake Christian life.
Just as God’s desire is for us to have a restful sleep, He wants us to remain in fellowship with Him through our SPIRITUAL BREATHING. Here are the steps of spiritual breathing and to staying in step with the Spirit.
1) EXHALING, or our confession.
- Agreeing with God about His provision for our sin. He promises, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- Repenting and turning away from our sin.
2) INHALING, adopting the Holy Spirit’s power.
- Trusting God’s Spirit to empower us. It is amazing when we maintain this fellowship with God, how He directs us as we surrender our will to Him. “…be filled with the Spirit…” (Eph. 5:18)
Now as one who is awake and a person of the Spirit, “…we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corin. 2:15-16)
-Bill Stockham