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Aug 15, 2021 08:00am
Awaking From a Spiritual Nap
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Sometimes my son has difficulty waking up. I’m not talking about being a “sleepy head” and not wanting to get out of bed. I’m talking about pulling back the covers, stepping onto the floor, walking in the kitchen, sitting in front of his breakfast and still being asleep.

I guess it’s technically sleepwalking. But basically, he has the strange ability to function without being awake (sometimes it freaks me out a little). However, as a side note – if you are ever unsure whether or not your child is awake, I suggest NOT telling him or her to go to the bathroom, at least not alone.

In Ephesians 5, Paul is talking to believers when he quotes the Old Testament, saying, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

In the context of this verse, Paul is telling believers that they must no longer live in the darkness of sin, but instead live in the light of Christ. Then, he says, “Awake!”

Just like my son sleepwalking, believers can have a tendency to “sleepwalk” through our spiritual lives. By all outward signs it may look like we are conscious, but in reality we are just going through the motions.

Perhaps you can relate: 

Has sin has crept back into your life and you haven’t even realized it until now? 

Has anger taken root towards a co-worker who tramples over you on the way to the “top of the ladder?” 

Has jealousy lulled you into a trance as you long for the new car your neighbor bought last week? 

Have you become enslaved to your purchases – always trying to buy the item that will make you “happy?”

It’s time to wake up! Let the light of Christ shine on your life and expose the lies of anger, jealousy and greed. Your idea of “living the dream” might just be a nightmare.

Sometimes, in order to wake my son, I have to speak loudly. Will you let the Word of God speak loudly to your heart? Loud enough to wake you up from your spiritual nap?

Copyright © 2021 by Scott Attebery @https://scottattebery.com/christian-living/wake-up/ No part of this article may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from Lifeword.org.