To Be Spat Out, Do Nothing

Back in the olden days . . . inspired, on (holy) fire missionaries would risk deprivations, disease, torture, death . . . going into the pagan and heathen lands to teach about the Love of God and the saving mission of the Son of God.  In most cases the natives were shocked and disbelieving that there could be such a God--ONE God Who wanted people to love one another, show compassion and mercy, where they were use to living under onerous superstitions and forever seeking appeasement or bribing of spirits and cruelty was considered a normal and acceptable part of every day life of survival.

The brave and selfless missionaries were driven to save souls and spread the light and life of the Gospel and many were martyred for the cause.

And often it would happen that these men and women of God would delve deep into wild territories, without speaking the native languages, yet somehow be able to teach the basics of Christ's life and mission, making a few converts . . . but then, if they died or left the area, just like the jungle creeps back over a made clearing, the darkness of magic, witchcraft, superstition, multiple gods . . . would return . . . .

For it takes a determined and incessant focus of energy to remain close to, or on The Way.  There is an entropy of The World, like the wild jungle, which is constantly wanting to settle to a darkened, sinful state; which is the curse of death . . . and unless a soul makes earnest, regular effort to harbor the supernatural light and life of the living God, then nothing is more sure than that person will start falling again into old ways and a stultifying inertia of Spirit.

Making an effort . . . to stay in the Spirit . . . is part of the human experience in coming to know God.  It is not a good sign . . . if, having supposedly found the truth, you then just fall back to your old self--nothing changes, and all you do is busy your time and thought with the things of the flesh, though claiming belief.

I am in sympathy with the Orthodox--the long tradition, shown and explained in the Bible--in admiring and honoring the saints and missionaries through the ages into today . . . who have renounced position, wealth, comfort, all for the preaching and exemplifying of the Gospel.  Of course, we do not worship men and women, and I only pray to God; but I warmly recognize and gain insight and light by observing and studying how GOD has worked through His people--His called and devoted servants in this fallen realm!

It is the LORD working THROUGH such venerable men and women . . . that I admire and not a day goes by where it is not found meet (and found spiritual MEAT) to read of their lives and missions, whether recorded in scripture or elsewhere--the SPIRIT giving the discernment to recognize their legitimacy--where the Lord's anointing displays . . . .

A lackadaisical . . . bored . . . lazy . . . inert . . . mechanical . . . rote . . . dry . . . dull . . . apathetic . . . indifferent . . . effort to know and live the truth . . . just won't cut it.  Myself, I abhor that state of life and know that  God does too, for He says either be hot or cold.  The lukewarm . . . He will not entertain nor tolerate.  Such will be spat out.

What is an example of lukewarm in this case?  Someone who says, "I don't really feel anything--I can't feel the Spirit . . . " and then they shrug and just go back to their (worldly) business.  Many so-called "believers" do this.
Whereas . . . the other type says, ""I don't really feel anything--I can't feel the Spirit . . . " but then refuses to accept this situation.  They strive, struggle, study, pray, cry, plead and may even try false and dangerous OTHER paths--ANYTHING . . . if need to be . . . to find and know and feel something beyond the merely mundane and physical-survival-based.  We have little else we can offer, but to make effort--make some exertion CONSISTENTLY in the direction of learning, realizing . . . the truth--the purpose of this life.  If you know or believe it is GOD . . . then regularly . . . you will be showing this by consistent effort in study, prayer, fellowship, support, preaching, teaching, thinking, acting . . . on and about God and those who have come and gone and remain who are likewise so devoted . . . . .

Otherwise, to be spat out, do nothing . . . .

And amazingly, besides . . . just living the way of the world (which equals doing nothing, in God's eyes) there are even religions you can join where "doing nothing" is the supreme goal . . . . !

But this is not the Gospel Way.  The Way is a vibrant, enthusiastic, energetic, busy . . . route . . . .