[Ohio]

A brother I once knew told me about his church life in those “early days” out in the Bay Area of NoCal how they would scream to the Lord in order to get into their spirit. He mentioned how one time he even climbed into a dumpster to “call on the Lord.” Apparently it was the fleeting desire to reenact that initial high he once enjoyed. I understood that feeling. I used to get these great “head rushes” in those first meetings I went to. They were great. Better than a concert or sporting event. And completely drug-free. This was like heaven on earth. I smiled ear to ear. Joy ineffable and full of glory.

But like all drug attics, there is no high as good as those first ones. Sadly our body can get addicted to those feelings of euphoria. Sometimes the joy of the Spirit visits us in like manner. Kind of like the overwhelming feelings that filled the disciples in the upper room as aron recently mentioned. None of these wonderful spiritual feelings is wrong, far from it, but unfortunately they can establish a wrong standard for our faith. These feelings are like milk from a nursing mother. Good for a season of time, yes, but deadly if demanded life-long. I once met with some dear Christians whose greatest hope was to relive the experience of Pentecost. ”Revival!” they loved to say.

Such as our human life, so our spiritual life. We need solid food in order to mature, and the Bible speaks of such matters as faithfulness, perseverance in prayer, obedience and work of faith, suffering for righteousness sake, the labor of love in loving our enemies, etc. as descriptions of solid food for healthy growth. Many times when I finally surrendered and obeyed the Lord’s command, I felt nothing at all. Perhaps only shame that I was so stubborn for acting so slowly. Yet that is the obedience of faith that God demands of us. Recently I had to apologize to my wife. It was all so unreasonable I thought. Like I said, “obedience.” Real and mature faith is not in feelings.

Back to the discussion about “calling on the Lord” in order to carry out “God’s Economy.” We cannot yank verses out of scripture to justify what other verses condemn. I see this often on this forum. How sad that many LC members and ex-members are just unable to transition from the feelings of screaming at God unto maturity. Sadly the brother I mentioned could not, and ended his life.