Do you prefer flats or high-heeled pumps? I love the look of high-heels, but I can’t wear them for very long before my feet start hurting. Then all I want to do is kick them off and step into some flats.
Flats or pumps are simply a matter of preference. We can choose to suit our style and comfort. Either kind of shoe is acceptable footwear. But we should never settle for “flat” faith.
Flat shoes? Fun and comfortable! Flat faith? Frustrating and discouraging! Is your faith “flat” or “pumped?”
What is flat faith?
The word flat can be defined as “without vitality or animation; lifeless; dull.”Many Christians with flat faith love Jesus and continue to serve Him, but they often feel as though they’re simply going through the motions of Christianity. Their love for Christ is short on passion. They serve largely out of a sense of duty or because that’s what they’ve always done. The routine of the Christian life may even feel superficial and directionless.
Although not an exhaustive list, here are ten signs that may indicate your faith needs some pumping up:
- Relationship with Christ is not deepening and growing.
- Religious activities overshadow your relationship with Christ.
- Life of faith feels boring, tired, or overwhelming.
- Feeling of disconnect from God; no real sense of His presence or voice.
- Little excitement over or awareness of God’s activity.
- Little or no anticipation that God will work.
- Praise and worship feels dry and forced.
- Nagging sense you should be experiencing more.
- Notice fiery faith in others’ lives that you desire.
- Efforts and activity produce few results of eternal value.
Countless Christians experience flat faith. Some have never experienced a vibrant faith characterized by real intimacy with Christ. Flat faith is all they’ve known. Others have lost the passion for Christ they once had and desperately long to find it again.
I fell in that first group. Raised in the church, I accepted Jesus when I was eight. But I spent the next 18 years desperately trying to feel vitally connected to God and find passion in my relationship with Jesus. When I was finally desperate enough to open up and honestly share my struggle with a Christian friend, God put me on a path to a pumped up faith.
You can read a bit more of my story in the following links:
Got Flat Faith? Get Fed Up!
Do you have flat faith? I didn’t have to settle and neither do you. In my new book “Fed Up with Flat Faith” I share 5 attitudes and 5 actions God used in my life to pump up and fire up my flat, dry faith.
Got flat faith? Get fed up and let God pump you up.
Let’s Talk: What adjectives would you use to describe your faith?
I am so excited about this book. I hate that it is out of stock on Amazon.
Hi Laura! Thanks for stopping by. I too have been frustrated that the print version is still out of stock on Amazon. However, you can purchase it from the publisher’s website. Here’s the link: http://www.wmustore.com/product.asp?sku=N134110
Shared on Facebook.
Thanks Laura! Another entry for you!
Pinned it!
You are entered again!
Shared the FB page!
Thank you for helping to spread the word about the book. I’ve got you entered again!
I am so excited about this book, Flat Faith. I was thinking of using it for a Bible Study I led for young Moms….
Hi Janice! There are discussion questions for each chapter that would help with that. I think the topic would be great for young moms. Thanks for commenting, you are entered for the giveaway!
I shared on facebook
Hi Teresa! Thanks for sharing. You are entered!
I would describe my faith as dry and dusty
Teresa, I struggled for almost 20 years. God can water your soul and infuse your faith with passion. Although there is no quick fix, there are things you can do to position yourself for God’s activity. The book gives you 5 attitudes to check and 5 acts of obedience that will move you to the center of what God wants to do. Recalling times you’ve sensed God’s presence and seen His activity in the past can also create a spark. It’s a good place to start. Here’s a link to an article I wrote about “gathering tinder” if you’d like to take a look. It gives you prompts to help you remember these times.
http://www.livingbetterat50.com/gathering-tinder-faith-fire/?utm_source=Women-of-Faith%2C+March+10%2C+2013&utm_campaign=women+of+faith&utm_medium=email
I feel passionate about my faith, but I don’t always know how to convey it or act upon it so well, and then I end up doing nothing. I have so many well intentioned plans that I never carry through when it comes to this. I really frustrate myself! Ugh!
Shelley, are you talking about witnessing or knowing and following God’s will? (By the way, you are entered again!)
I would say knowing and following God’s will. I seem to get stuck a lot.
If you’ve never done the study “Experiencing God” by Henry Blackaby it would be the perfect place to start!
Thank you!
Shelly, you are the winner of the giveaway! Email me your mailing address and I will get the book in the mail to you!
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Thanks Shelly! You are entered!
I think this book is just what I need right now! Can’t wait to get a copy!
Hi Julie! Thanks for stopping by. I do hope the book will be a source of encouragement for you. You are entered!
Shared on Facebook.
Entered again!
Pinned on Pinterest.
And one more time!
Shared on facebook. :o)
Thanks LeAnne! You are entered!
Great title and illustration, there has been times I have struggled in this area.
Hi Jennie, every Christians does struggle sometimes. Even if flat faith isn’t a consistent problem it’s good to be reminded of the attitudes we need to keep and actions we can take to keep ourselves in the place with God. Thanks for stopping by, you are entered in the giveaway!
I pinned it. Looking forward to the book.
Wanda, you are entered twice for the drawing!
I think my first comment didn’t get through. Too bad. Said a lot and don’t have time this morning. Let’s just say I share this desire for a pumped up faith!
Hi Wanda! I am so sorry about the trouble with getting comments posted. Thank you for trying again! I don’t see it in the admin area at all so something must have gone wrong! Would love to hear your thoughts later if you have time!
I shared this book on facebook. Can’t wait to read it through now! God bless you!
Hi Evie! Thanks for sharing, you’re entered!
So looking forward to getting this book. Love to do a book study with ladies at my church.
Hi Mary, thanks for coming by. You’re entered for the drawing!
I shared the kick off party on facebook.
Thanks for sharing, Mary. You are entered again!
I have lived a pumped up faith all my life, but the last few years have been flat. I am really heart broken about it. I want to live a pumped up life in the Lord again. Your book sounds wonderful.
Hi Pam, thanks for stopping by. Seasons of flat faith will come. Spiritual ups and downs are usually the norm. However, when we have extended periods of spiritual dryness we want to do a spiritual inventory to make sure our attitudes and behavior are in line with God’s will. I hope the book will be a source of encouragement. You are entered in the drawing!
Looks like a book I am needing for this time in my life.
Hi Janet! I hope the book will be helpful. You are entered for the drawing!
Shared on Facebook!
Entered again!
Shared on Pinterest!
Entered again!
Shared this page on Facebook!
And again!
I have been getting to your site from Connie’s postings on Facebook andhave enjoyed your stories and will now look for your books. Thanks for posting this contest.
Pinned your post on my Pinterest site. Shanda
Hi Shanda, glad you found my site. You are entered!
Hey Kathy,
Hope your well! I am so excited about the new book.
I am looking into it for a women’s home group I am
starting through our church next month!
Whitney
Hey Whitney! Glad you stopped by. You made it into the drawing just in the nick of time!