No one wants to be in decline, and this is true both in the physical and spiritual senses, but whereas physical decline is predetermined and natural, spiritual decline is always optional. It is one of the blessings of grace that the older you get as a believer the more radiant and effusive your spiritual life can become. But the spiritual decline can set in almost unnoticed, and like Samson in Judges 16:20 you may find that when you need to call on your spiritual reserves they are not there. So here are some things to look out for that should prompt you to examine your situation carefully and strengthen and revitalize your flagging spirit.
Less spiritual work
It is easy to get weary when doing extensive spiritual work especially when the returns seem so tiny and you either reduce the volume of work or you just give up some of it altogether. No one minds doing this kind of work when there are many plaudits and compliments and everywhere you look you see booming results. But life is often very different with much labour required and mostly for little returns. The Bible warns about this, " And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,
…show more content…
Spiritual poverty as used here is the erosion of the graces and the benefits of a close bond with God that eventually leads to backsliding. Not all believers are spiritually rich and able to share some of that spiritual richness with other believers, or even enlighten those who are going contrary. Paul acknowledged this when he said, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." (Galatians