We all know of people who use to go to church,but no longer do so now.
(I nearly became one of those people)
You know it is not uncommon for a christian to find themselves in a spiritual wilderness, However it is how we react to this wilderness that deteermines where we end up. Sadly many leave the church for all the wrong reasons, and then find that the wilderness has come with them. Here are some reasons why I nearly left the church, but through the bible found they were all the wrong reasons.
(1 BROKEN REALATIONSHIPS)
one of the cause's for people leaving is relationship break down. As a christian I set high standards of behaviour for my fellow christians. and often felt devestated when I found them talking behind peoples backs and pulling there fellow christians down. But it is how I respond to the actions or comments of others that will determine my spiritual well being. I need to live in peace and to forgive others, because if I hold a grievance against a fellow christian it will do me more harm than it will them, As I have found out to my cost.
I came across this reading from the message bible in colossians 3 vs 12-15
So chosen by god for this new life of love. Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you, compassion, kindness, humility, quite strength, discipline. Be even temperd content with second place, quick to forgive an offense, forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love it's your basic all purpose garment, never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in step with each other, None of this going off and doing your own thing.
(2 LACK OF PROGRESS)
We can all lose heat from time to time, particuarly when we set ourselfs opimistic targets that we fail to meet. But God is not in a hurry, I say I want progress now, but God does not work like that. The plan of salvation took thousands of years, You just need to read the old testement to understand that. I have asked my self why has God not acted sooner? After all it's over 2000 years since the death and resserection of Christ. and the answer I got is that God has not finshrd his work among his people yet. I say I want our church full, and I want it now. I say the church is not moving as fast as I would like. But on my part this is ehere patience is required, I need to take a long term veiw and win as many people as possible for Christ.
Another passage I came across in the NIV bible from Galitatians 6 vs 9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people, Especially to those who belong to the family of belivers.
(LASTLY BACKSLIDING)
Sometimes peiple leave church because the pull of sin appears to be stronger than the pull of God in their life, Some may leave because they have been confronted about their behavior towards other christians. Others sadly slip out the back door (Like I nearly did) maybe they have been hurt by events that have gone on in church life and have decided to slip away quietly.
If you like I was are considering leaving the church DON'T, Because if you do you will only end up taking your wilderness with you and you will end up in a dessert and it won't cure anything, swallow your pride and ask for help.
(FROM THE NIV BIBLE Hebrews 10 vs 23-25)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, For he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, But let us encourge one another.
(I nearly became one of those people)
You know it is not uncommon for a christian to find themselves in a spiritual wilderness, However it is how we react to this wilderness that deteermines where we end up. Sadly many leave the church for all the wrong reasons, and then find that the wilderness has come with them. Here are some reasons why I nearly left the church, but through the bible found they were all the wrong reasons.
(1 BROKEN REALATIONSHIPS)
one of the cause's for people leaving is relationship break down. As a christian I set high standards of behaviour for my fellow christians. and often felt devestated when I found them talking behind peoples backs and pulling there fellow christians down. But it is how I respond to the actions or comments of others that will determine my spiritual well being. I need to live in peace and to forgive others, because if I hold a grievance against a fellow christian it will do me more harm than it will them, As I have found out to my cost.
I came across this reading from the message bible in colossians 3 vs 12-15
So chosen by god for this new life of love. Dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you, compassion, kindness, humility, quite strength, discipline. Be even temperd content with second place, quick to forgive an offense, forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love it's your basic all purpose garment, never be without it. Let the peace of Christ keep you in step with each other, None of this going off and doing your own thing.
(2 LACK OF PROGRESS)
We can all lose heat from time to time, particuarly when we set ourselfs opimistic targets that we fail to meet. But God is not in a hurry, I say I want progress now, but God does not work like that. The plan of salvation took thousands of years, You just need to read the old testement to understand that. I have asked my self why has God not acted sooner? After all it's over 2000 years since the death and resserection of Christ. and the answer I got is that God has not finshrd his work among his people yet. I say I want our church full, and I want it now. I say the church is not moving as fast as I would like. But on my part this is ehere patience is required, I need to take a long term veiw and win as many people as possible for Christ.
Another passage I came across in the NIV bible from Galitatians 6 vs 9-10
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore as we have opportunity let us do good to all people, Especially to those who belong to the family of belivers.
(LASTLY BACKSLIDING)
Sometimes peiple leave church because the pull of sin appears to be stronger than the pull of God in their life, Some may leave because they have been confronted about their behavior towards other christians. Others sadly slip out the back door (Like I nearly did) maybe they have been hurt by events that have gone on in church life and have decided to slip away quietly.
If you like I was are considering leaving the church DON'T, Because if you do you will only end up taking your wilderness with you and you will end up in a dessert and it won't cure anything, swallow your pride and ask for help.
(FROM THE NIV BIBLE Hebrews 10 vs 23-25)
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, For he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, But let us encourge one another.
To submit and obey when you 100% agree is easy, To submit and obey when you don't agree, That is real submission to Jesus.
