S-"So Christ has really set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law." Galatians 5:1
A-God's freedom through Christ
L-Where Is Your Joyful Spirit?
"Where is that joyful spirit we felt together then? In those days, I know you would gladly have taken out your own eyes and given them to me if it had been possible. Have I now become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?" Galatians 4:15-16
Yesterday I asked you to think back on the day you were first saved, and the joy you felt. Do you remember those first few months you were so on fire for Christ, that you could barely contain yourself? You wanted to go out and share Jesus with everyone you could. You wanted to help and serve as much as you possibly could.
You stayed on that high for awhile, and then...your fire and excitement dimmed.
Somehow your passion, though still there, became a lot less. The busyness of life, the frustration of school, work, being a parent, and self consumed more of your attention and time.
Why?
It seems as though now, Jesus is just another person you check of your list.
You do what you want, your passion now comes from temporary things. Your joy has been lost and your search for happiness, which again is temporary. You have managed to tie yourself back up into the very things that once enslaved you.
Paul addresses this issue here and calls out the Galatian Churches. And so does Jesus in the Book of Revelation.
"I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do." Revelation 2:2-6
What is your answer to this brethren? Where is your joyful spirit. Where has your willingness to serve others gone? Has Jesus somehow become your enemy because His Word revels your sinfulness?
His Word speaks truth, yet we only want to pick and choose the parts of truth we listen to or read.
Why is this?
Have we forgotten what Christ has done for us?
Brethren, Jesus is offering pure and lasting joy. Take it.
Let His love and Word rebuild the fire you once had for Him.
S-Seek God and and His Word and ask Him to fill you with the love and passion you once had for Him. Return to your first real love.
