Despite receiving sound teachings and having numerous opportunities for prayer and fellowship, some individuals fail to grow spiritually. Over time, their passion for God wanes, and their commitment to His people weakens. Why do the hearts of church members not experience spiritual joy and enthusiasm, even in a church that faithfully and fervently provides for its members’ spiritual growth?
Will things change if they change churches? Will things be better if they listen to new preachers? Changing churches or listening to new preachers might bring a temporary sense of renewal, but if the underlying cause is personal rather than external, the problem will likely persist. Here’s why:
Spiritual growth is primarily dependent on a personal relationship with Christ. A believer’s spiritual development is deeply rooted in his relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasised in John 15:4-5 – “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” This passage illustrates the necessity of remaining in Christ. Just as a branch depends on the vine for sustenance, believers must stay connected to Christ to grow spiritually and bear fruit. Spiritual growth is not merely about gaining knowledge or engaging in religious activities, but about abiding in Christ, being transformed by His Spirit, and living in obedience to His Word.
The Bible repeatedly emphasises that true spiritual maturity comes from an intimate, lively, ongoing relationship with the Lord. In Colossians 2:6-7, the apostle Paul insists, “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.” Spiritual growth happens when we are firmly rooted in Christ, walking in faith, and continually being built up in Him.
There is a real need for all of us to examine ourselves to see whether we abide in Christ continually. The apostle Paul urged the Christians in Corinth to examine their faith, rather than to place undue emphasis on their allegiance to different preachers, leading to division within the church. He exhorted them, saying, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5). This is a call for self-examination to ensure genuine faith and authentic spiritual growth in every Christian’s life.
So let every church member (including leaders) humbly and sincerely examine himself in the following areas recommended in the Scriptures, to see the cause for one’s experience of spiritual dullness and fruitlessness, and then seek to eradicate those spiritual maladies.
Examine Your Faith in Christ: “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith …” (2 Cor. 13:5a). If you truly trust in Jesus alone for salvation and believe that “Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Cor. 13:5b), your life must be lived according to “the faith”, the divine standard revealed in His Word. Does your life demonstrate confidence in and submission to God’s truth? Or are you placing your trust in emotions, experiences, relationships, wealth, careers, rather than in His grace? A life rooted in faith continually seeks His truth through persistent prayer. As 2 Peter 3:18 urges, “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.” Spiritual growth leads to a life that radiates God’s glory through His grace and truth.
Examine Your Obedience to God’s Word: Jesus confronted His hearers, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). He expected His followers to prove their genuineness through obedience. In John 15, Jesus insisted repeatedly that spiritual vitality and fruitfulness come to those who abide in His Word through obedience. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (v. 10). Earlier He said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (v. 7). Are there areas where you consistently resist God’s will?
Examine Your Repentance and Separation from Sins: The Lord warned the Christians in the church of Ephesus, “Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16; cf. 2:5). Likewise, He exhorted the church in Ephesus, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5). If you do not repent of the sins that entangle you, God Himself will stand against you, and this will certainly rob you of spiritual joy and victory. Have you confessed and turned away from the sin in your life? (cf. 1 John 1:9). Do you grieve over sin and desire holiness, or do you excuse and justify sinful habits? Every believer must regularly examine himself for unconfessed sin (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:28). True repentance not only acknowledges sin, but also turns away from it, seeking to live as a vessel of honour for the Lord’s service (cf. 2 Timothy 2:21). Repent, walk in holiness, and experience the fullness of joy and victory in Christ.
Examine Your Love for God and Others: Do you love God above all else (Matthew 22:37-38)? Do you love fellow believers and even your enemies (1 John 4:20; Matthew 5:44)? Are you growing in kindness, patience, and forgiveness? Notice Paul’s comment that the brotherly love exhibited by the Thessalonian Christians was evidence of their spiritual increase - “But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10).
In conclusion, spiritual coldness can stem from various factors. Some become distracted by worldly pursuits, allowing materialistic concerns, personal ambitions, or entertainment to take precedence over their relationship with God. Others may struggle with hidden sin, guilt, or unresolved doubts, which create a barrier between them and the Lord. Still, others might grow weary due to trials, disappointments, or unanswered prayers, leading to spiritual discouragement and apathy.
Without an intentional pursuit of God—through prayer, studying His Word, and genuine fellowship with other believers—spiritual stagnation sets in. The fire of faith dims, and what was once a vibrant walk with God turns into a mere religious routine. This is why Scripture urges believers to guard their hearts, remain steadfast in the faith, and actively cultivate their relationship with God.
A new church or preacher can inspire, but lasting transformation comes from a heart fully surrendered to Christ. Some people switch churches to avoid accountability and commitment, which will only lead to more spiritual apathy. Changing church is necessary only when a church teaches false doctrine, is unfaithful to Scripture, compromises on biblical truths, or fails to promote holy living. Then, seeking a biblically sound church is needed.