Spirit-Filled Pastor: Are You Spiritually Passive?

What does it mean to be spiritually passive? As I look around the world, I see an inclination to accept every type of religion, sexual orientation, heinous behavior, lying, manipulation and deceptive action. The moral compass is spinning and unable to find true north in people. Truth has become relative and without foundation.

As our moral compass spins aimlessly, we risk justifying our belief system by saying that Jesus loved everyone (Rom. 5:8).

While that may sound like a biblical basis, it is not. Romans 12:2 clearly states that we are not to conform to the patterns of the world and that we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds; this is not a suggestion, but it is a command. This renewal relates to having the mind of Christ rather than the mind of the world. We cannot decipher the will of God if we are not living life His way. Any compromise opens the door for spiritual passivity.

We cannot forget that He is also the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5) and a jealous God (Ex. 34:14). A Biblical lifestyle serves as the guardrails along a highway. They keep us on the right path when we follow them, safe and away from destruction. However, we quickly find ourselves on a deception path leading to destruction should we jump the barrier.

A spiritually passive person is lukewarm to the things of God and Jesus Christ. Within the realm of passivity, the individual may go through the motions like items to accomplish on a to-do list, checking off the traditional obligations. While these may be good things that the Lord notices, He wants us to be doing them from a kingdom mindset. If we cease to focus on the kingdom, we are just lukewarm or spiritually passive. Revelation 3:16 states, “Because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth.” The word “spit,” as used in this passage, means to vomit. We cannot afford to be neutral in our lives if we profess to follow Jesus Christ.

If you are in a spiritually passive season, it is time to heed the wake-up call. A watchman on the wall cannot afford to sleep at their post. Imagine with me, if you will, what the world would look like if passivity had not slithered into the body of Christ like a fog taking over a valley? Would the moral compass be spinning out of control or pointing to Jesus? Would lying and deception be revealed for what they are because Godly wisdom and discernment would be flourishing? Would biblical sexuality be celebrated rather than beaten down? Would the world see a church of power filled with signs, wonders and miracles that draws people to Jesus rather than an empty building or powerless religion?

Heavenly Father, I ask You to search my heart and reveal any area of my life where I have become passive. I ask You to expose anything contrary to Your Word. I ask You to adjust my compass so that it does not spin out of control but points to true heaven. I thank You, Lord, that You are for me and not against me. I can trust You in this crazy world. You promise that You will firmly establish me in You. You are the guardrail for my life. I look to You alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen. {eoa}

Ruth Hendrickson is an ordained pastor, itinerant speaker, ministry trainer and board-certified biblical counselor who has extensive experience in the development, training and oversight of emotional healing ministry teams, recovery ministries, prophetic ministry, prayer ministries and women’s ministry. In addition, she is a course facilitator for Patricia King Institute and Charisma courses. She writes for Elijah List and Charisma and has a podcast titled Real Truth with Ruth. Through biblically based teachings and practical applications infused with love and laughter, her goal is to introduce people not only to the living God who saves, but also to the God who desires an intimate relationship with each one of us. Her books, Positioned – How to be Aligned & Empowered to Walk in Your Diving Destiny and Everyday Prophetic, will help you grow in your walk with God. Ruth is an avid unsweetened iced tea drinker who loves warm weather, palm trees and beaches! She believes that she should live in the South. However, in the meantime, Ruth and her husband, Mark, reside in Stockton, New Jersey. Tune into her podcast, Real Truth with Ruth, on the Charisma Podcast Network and visit her website at ruthhendrickson.com.