We are all familiar with this concept of tires getting stuck in the mud. What’s one
sure-fire way to get unstuck? Floor it! Unfortunately, this typically leads to our tires
spinning and flinging mud everywhere without breaking us free. Our tires are spinning
and spinning in an attempt to dislodge themselves, but we do not end up going
anywhere. Often times, it would be better for us to call for help and let someone tow us
out.
Let us apply this idea of being stuck in the mud spiritually. One way that we can
become stuck in the mud as Christians is by becoming bogged down in sin. Sin is a
tremendous hindrance to the Christian. It can affect our personal relationships, our
service in the kingdom, and even our ability to worship God properly. Isaiah 59:2 tells
us that our iniquities separate us from God. The longer that we allow ourselves to be
bogged down by sin, the longer we are separated from God.
So how can we keep sin from bogging us down? Prepare for the terrain ahead!
By recognizing our own weaknesses, we can be on the look-out for stumbling blocks
that may be waiting for us up ahead. Paul gives us great encouragement in 1
Corinthians 10:13 when he assures us that we will not be tempted above that which we
are able to handle. Paul continues by teaching that with the temptation, we must also be
looking for a way of escape. There may be times when we look to other Christians to
give us a spiritual tow. Galatians 6:1-2 teaches us that we should bear one another’s
burdens. It is a humbling experience to lean on our Christian brethren after we have
fallen into a mud pit of sin.
Another way that we can become stuck in the mud is through a lack of zeal. It
has happened to the best of us – sometimes, we become discouraged and our fire
starts to dwindle. Our spiritual lives become routine and it can feel like we’re just going
through the motions. So how can we rekindle our fire? Partaking in fellowship
opportunities outside of the worship assembly is crucial. By spending time with other
Christians, we can allow them to sharpen us (Proverbs 27:17). We should also spend
time in God’s Word and in prayer daily – even if it’s only for a brief amount of time. This
spiritual nourishment is vital to our Christian walk (Matthew 4:4). We should also get
busy doing good works for others (Ephesians 2:10). This will help us to gain a new
perspective and fan our flame.
A third way that we can become stuck in the mud is through a refusal to grow.
When we feel as if we are just going through the motions, many times that is due to a
refusal to step outside of our comfort zones and fulfil a role that we have never taken on
before. Spiritual growth is an expectation of all Christians (2 Peter 3:18). Without it, we
will remain babes in Christ, feeding ourselves on the milk of the Word rather than the
meat (Hebrews 5:13-14). We all have the ability to serve in some way! We would do
well to continue to push ourselves and try new things. Perhaps that includes teaching a
ladies class, hosting a Bible study in our homes, coordinating a ladies' day or VBS, or
recording a podcast for women. Whatever your talents may be, continue to utilize them
to their fullest extent.
Anyone who has ever been stuck in the mud before can attest that it is not a
desirable place to be – especially spiritually! Going back to Galatians 6:1, we can read here that “ye which are spiritual, restore such a one…” We all have a responsibility as
Christians to be spiritual and to show ourselves as such. There may come a time when
someone is looking to us to give them that spiritual tow. It is our duty, as members of
one body, to pull them out of the mud and help them get back on the right path.
Perhaps an important question to ask ourselves is this: “If someone were in need of a
spiritual tow, could they rely on me?”
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