by Steve Hale
INTRODUCTION
Why do some Christians struggle so with their faith ( Romans 7:22-25)? Why does doubt, fear, and apathy arise? Why can't everyone maintain the fire they had when they obeyed the gospel ( Colossians 2:6, 7)?
The dropout rate among modern churches of Christ is appalling and shocking. Estimates range from 45 to 65%. No one really knows the exact percentage, except it is far too high.
If this is not discouraging enough, some brethren really struggle. Just attending services becomes labor and drudgery!
The divine ideal is far from this. It pictures grateful Christians excited about sharing their faith ( Acts 8:1-4), studious (I Tim. 4:16), and growing ( Acts 4:4).
So why does "the fire go out?" This tract attempts to examine this important subject.
REASONS WHY
The following is not an exhaustive list. It does touch on some biblical reasons as to why some loose their zeal and enthusiasm in their walk with God:
1. Religious orthodoxy (Rev. 2:1-7).
2. Legalism ( Matthew 15:1-7).
3. Liberalism (Deut. 4:2).
4. Worldliness (II Tim. 4:10).
5. No exercise ( Hebrews 5:12-14).
6. Lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6).
7. Strife ( Romans 1:29).
8. Factions ( 1 Corinthians 1-4).
9. No fellowship ( 2 Thessalonians 3:6).
10. Selfishness (Tit. 1:9).
11. Hand-me-down Christianity (I Cor. 1:21ff.).
12. Jealousy ( Romans 12:9ff.).
13. Shallowness ( Matthew 13:18ff.).
14. No encouragement ( Acts 4:36).
15. Misdirection ( John 14:6).
16. Vain deceits and philosophies ( Acts 22:1; Philippians 1:16, 17).
17. No joy ( Philippians 4:4ff.).
18. Materialism (I Tim. 6:10ff.).
19. Immorality ( 1 Corinthians 5:1-11).
20. Wrong priorities ( Matthew 6:33).
21. Bad examples ( III John 9ff.).
22. Lack of love ( Mark 12:29-31).
23. Not keeping faith and a good conscience (I Tim. 1:19-20).
24. False doctrine (I Tim. 4:1-3).
25. Being mistreated (2 Cor. 11:23-33).
Obviously, we cannot exhaust even these reasons. Perhaps we can focus in on a few to get us started.
RELIGIOUS ORTHODOXY
The preaching is scriptural. The singing is scriptural. The Bible classes are scriptural. No false teacher would be allowed! Those who would compromise scripture would be marked and disciplined!
Such a church was at Ephesus when John wrote Revelation (2:1-7). Everything sounds great!
However, John tells them: "But I have this against you, that you have left your first love" (Rev. 2:4).
Why? Everything sounds so strong, sound, and solid!
The facade does look good! However, the inside is rotten, dried-up, and ritualistic! It is not enough to give the Lord just lip service! He demands religion that is heartfelt!
We must love God with all that is within us ( Mark 12:29-31). This love will cause our worship to go beyond mere ritualism. Jesus said:
"But the hour is coming, and now is, when true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshippers. God is spirit; and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" ( John 4:23, 24).
MATERIALISM
More, more, more. Overtime. Rat race. Bigger houses. More luxurious cars. Greed. Even dishonesty!
We live in a society which loves money! There is nothing wrong with money, or being rich. However, to love more than the Lord or the service that can be rendered to Him, is sinful and stifling.
Paul said:
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and some by longing for it, have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (I Tim. 6:10).
The most valuable possession we have is our souls. Jesus said:
"For what will a man be profited if he gains the whole world and loses his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul" ( Matthew 16:26)?
Perhaps Paul clears-up a Christian's attitude toward materialism more than anyone else, save our Lord. He was a Roman citizen, from a prominent family and a prominent city, Tarsus of Cilicia. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, descended from the tribe of Benjamin!
Yet, when compared to the glorious privilege of being a Christian, he said:
"...I count all things to be loss inview of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ" ( Philippians 3:8).
It is not intrinsically evil to be rich. Abraham was rich! Job was rich! King Josiah was rich! Yet, these three were faithful to God. These men were willing to use their wealth to God's glory, and not be self-centered. Materialism, the love of money, makes one selfish and self-centered ( I John 3:16-18; 2 Cor. 9:7).
WORLDLINESS
Sometimes, the fire goes out because of simple worldliness. John warned us not to love the world, nor the things in the world ( I John 2:15-17). The world bombards us with sexual promiscuity, alcohol, vulgarity, and rebellion. Many convenience stores sell soft-core pornography.
The news has scores of reports on sexual abuse, murder, racism, and fraud. The world is sick: sin sick! Some brethren have the "fire go out" because they simply become worldly.
CONCLUSION
You cannot name one thing worth being lost. Not one! Our Lord, His love and sacrifice are worthy of your loyalty.
We close this tract with the words of Jesus, which we hope will move you to return to Him: "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; be zealous therefore, and repent" (Rev. 3:19).
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