Dear Beloved,
As I reflect on the current state of the Church and our walk with God, I am struck by the notion of "sleepwalking." Many of us are unaware of the urgency and purpose of our calling, drifting through life as if we are in a deep slumber. This is a spiritual slumber that dulls our senses and hinders our growth in Christ.
1. The Warning: A Call to Awaken
In the book of Ephesians, Paul urges us to wake up from spiritual lethargy and rise to the call of God on our lives. He says:
“Therefore He says: 'Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.'”
—Ephesians 5:14 (NKJV)
This verse beckons us to awaken from the spiritual sleep that blinds us to the fullness of life in Christ. Jesus didn’t come for us to merely exist, but to live abundantly in Him. The world may lull us into complacency, but Christ has called us to a purpose far beyond the mundane.
2. Understanding the Danger of Spiritual Sleepwalking
Jesus Himself warned of the spiritual slumber that can take root in our hearts. In the parable of the ten virgins, we see a stark contrast between those who were prepared and those who slept when they should have been ready:
“But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight a cry was heard: 'Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!'”
—Matthew 25:5-6 (NKJV)
The wise virgins had prepared themselves, while the foolish ones were unprepared, having slept through the call. Let us not be found asleep when Christ returns. Let us not be caught off guard, but instead, keep our lamps full and our hearts ready.
3. Jesus’ Charge: Stay Alert
In Mark 13:33, Jesus reminds us to be vigilant and aware of the times:
“Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is.”
—Mark 13:33 (NKJV)
Jesus calls us to remain alert, to be attentive to His will, and to stay watchful for His return. Sleepwalking through life means failing to notice the opportunities God has placed before us. It means failing to discern His voice in the noise of the world. Our hearts must be in tune with Him, eagerly awaiting His return.
4. The Solution: Walking in the Light of Christ
If we are to rise from spiritual sleep, we must allow the light of Christ to shine in our lives. The Apostle Paul encourages us to walk in the light, not in darkness:
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).”
—Ephesians 5:8-9 (NKJV)
The light of Christ exposes our hearts and shows us areas where we have fallen asleep. As we walk in His light, we grow in goodness, righteousness, and truth, becoming more like Christ every day.
5. A Wake-Up Call: Embrace the Life Christ Offers
The Church today must heed the wake-up call. We can no longer afford to sleepwalk through our faith. God is calling His people to rise, to be alert, and to walk in the fullness of His calling.
Let us remember that Christ came to give us life—real life, abundant life, eternal life. We are no longer called to be sleepwalkers but to be awake and active participants in the Kingdom of God. As we await His return, may we find ourselves ready, watching, and fully alive in His presence.
Prayer:
Lord, awaken us from our spiritual slumber. Open our eyes to see the urgency of our calling. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth and to remain vigilant as we await Your return. May we no longer sleepwalk through life but live purposefully, bringing glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
In Christ’s Love,
[Your Name]
Senior Pastor, Revival Center
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