Read: Hebrews 2:1-3
We must pay the closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it (Hebrews 2:1, R.S.V.).
When Assurance Grows Faint
The consecrated, obedient, active, believing Christian is not likely to have serious difficulties at the point of continuing assurance regarding his entire sanctification. But these conditions are not always well fulfilled. John Wesley said: “Indeed, the witness of sanctification is not always clear at first; neither is it afterward always the same, but… sometimes stronger and sometimes fainter. Yea, and sometimes it is withdrawn” (Christian Perfection).
What shall we do in these hours of spiritual emptiness? The recurring witness of the Spirit is God’s way of assuring us that He is pleased with our lives. When we miss that witness for days or weeks we need to ask ourselves why. Normally we shall find the explanation in ourselves. Uncertainty in our relationship to God comes most often when we grow content or careless. We become less sure of God’s presence when our striving for improvement in Christian life and service slackens.
This uncertainty is God’s way of protecting us from carelessly drifting away from the presence of His Holy Spirit. Spiritual uncertainty is like the silent red light on the instrument panel of an automobile. It flashes its warning to tell us that the oil is low and there is imminent danger to the motor. Under these conditions the very lack of assurance for which our hearts hunger is one more of God’s gifts of grace to us. The Bible tells us that we must pay close attention to God’s silent warning lest we drift away from all that He has given to us in this “so great salvation.”
Prayer For Today
Thank You, Lord, for the inner cheeks of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for the warning silence when I am careless in the responsibilities of my love for You.