Years ago, I was diagnosed with neuropathy, which manifested as a persistent combination of tingling and numbness in my feet. This physical condition serves as a poignant reflection of the spiritual malaise I have occasionally experienced in my faith journey.
1. I still feel the power of conviction, but I fear I’ve grown desensitized to the consequence of sin.
While I understand the risks, it remains easy to become hardened by sin and ignore the repercussions of ongoing disobedience.
2. I still know my responsibility to minister to the hurting around me, but I’ve become numb to others around me.
At times, this happens because the needs surrounding us are overwhelming; other times, it is because certain needy individuals test our patience. In either case, a sense of spiritual numbness inevitably sets in.
3. I know I should be with the Lord—and I even make plans to do so—but I no longer have a longing to spend time with him.
Yes, I know spiritual disciplines are important. But, no, my heart doesn’t always burn for him like it should.
4. I love the people of the church, but I’ve lost my appreciation for the marvelous mystery that is God’s local body.
They’re wonderful, even when they’re sometimes a headache—and I really do love them. My problem sometimes is that I’ve lost my wonder over what God does when He makes people family in Christ.
5. I love my spouse, but I find myself taking her for granted.
Pam’s unquestionably God’s gift to me, and it’s not hard for me to see that when I think about it. The problem is that I too seldom consider that truth. I can let routine become numbness if I’m not aware of what’s happening.
6. I know how important evangelism is—after all, I’m a professor of evangelism and missions—but I let my brokenness over lost people lose its passion.
I’m afraid it’s really easy to call others to evangelize while you lose little sleep over those destined for hell. That’s spiritual neuropathy.
7. I know Psalm 19 tells me to see God’s handiwork in creation—and I love being in nature—but still I sometimes miss the beauty of God’s work around me.
I get so busy doing good things that I fail to smell the proverbial roses around me. Every time I hike, in fact, I’m reminded that I can grow numb to God’s glory in creation while I busy myself with other tasks.
What about you? Do you have any symptoms of spiritual neuropathy? If you want to consider other areas where we can grow numb, check out this post I wrote some time ago.
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This article originally appeared on ChuckLawless.com and is reposted here by permission.