What is your level of resistance to the Gospel? Evidently, it is time for some correction to occur. I would love for each writing to be uplifting and on a positive note, but there must be some who needs a “corrective” interview with Our Heavenly Father. Have you become complacent in your walk? Are you resisting the next level of maturity? Are you really willing to “die to the flesh” or are those just idle words?
Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 3:
1 Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone,
2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,
3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.
4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.
5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain. (NASB)
None of us are called to live an isolated existence from the rest of the Body of Christ. Do you think an ear can survive long without the rest of the body? Are you finding ways to fellowship with others or are you using the excuse of being “separated” for a special, lonely work? It was rare that Jesus was alone during His ministry, why do you think you shouldn’t minister and serve others in the Body?
We are called to spread the Gospel, the good news. It can’t be done by sitting on the couch, watching TV 24/7. If you are truly sensitive to the Holy Spirit, HE will bring people along your path to minister life. Is your pride preventing you from ministering to others?
2:18 For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us. (NASB)
Paul identified the source preventing him from going to Thessalonica- Satan. The source of resistance to the gospel is the adversary. He will use your pride and/or lust to prevent you from being a lively stone, a part of the ministry of Christ toward others. In a subtle fashion, he will move you into a state of resistance. One day you will wake up and finally make an assessment of your fruit… it will be found lacking. I urge you to repent and get back on track. Reestablish your focus on Christ. Reassess your priorities and get rid of those weights that so easily beset you. You are to resist the devil, not the Gospel. Don’t be a “foolish” virgin. Think about it!