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There is a danger in our time that we could grow tired or fall asleep while waiting for the Lord Jesus to return. The story of the ten virgins demonstrates this. The wait for the bridegroom was too long and they all fell asleep.

How do people act who have grown tired and eventually have fallen asleep? They no longer speak and barely stir. Spiritually it is similar, when God’s children have grown tired. Their conversations concerning our faith and the goal of our faith more or less cease. They no longer invite others, nor help God’s children who have stayed away to find the way back into God’s house. Their interest in assimilating God’s word has waned, they seldom pray or only pray in a superficial manner themselves, they find it very difficult to forgive and reconcile. It is not easy for them to sacrifice and offer because they do not see the sense in doing so.

In Revelation God’s Son also alludes to spiritual tiredness in His congregation. Jesus deplores that the congregations at Laodicea is neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm. He observes the Laodiceans indecisiveness of faith, faults their indifference, and warns them of self-deception (Rev. 3:15-17).

What must we do to overcome tiredness or rather to be protected from it? We must sing a song of praise! This may be taken both literally and as intended in Psalm 103:1-5. Take seriously the Spirit’s call that the bridegroom is coming and be zealous and repent (Rev. 3:19). This means that we consciously incorporate Jesus. “Be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” Ephesians 4:23-24. Even in the cycles of nature there is regular renewal. There are thousands of wonders in and on our physical body. We know old cells die and are replaced by new ones. Our inner being the life of our soul and spirit must also be continually renewed. Here we think of Jesus words which point to the future “Behold I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5).

How does spiritual renewal occur? Through the effect of God’s word conveyed through the Holy Spirit which always produces faith and the wonderful grace born out of Jesus’ sacrifice.

What is the best way to renew our conviction? By savouring Holy Communion. This embodies the strength, nature and life of Jesus Christ. The worthy partaking of Jesus’ body and blood establishes the closest fellowship of life with our Saviour and Redeemer. It should be possible to say of us, “We have the mind of Christ”.

(1 Corinthians 2:16).  We want to be aware that the regular renewal of our inner being is our life’s work to become righteous and ultimately the fruit of our spiritual life. Only in this manner will the new creation in Christ mature (2 Cor. 5:17) and will Jesus be able to identify us, transform us, and catch us up as His own on the day of His coming. Do we also let our light shine (Matthew 5:16) and are we still able to show many seeking souls the way?