Lenten Classics - Godly Conversations
Today’s post comes from a sermon preached by Charles Spurgeon, a Baptist pastor in London in the 1800’s. The sermon, based on Habakkuk 3:2, addresses the need for spiritual revival in the church. In this portion of his talk, Spurgeon points out that one aspect of revival involves the Spirit’s work in the conversations of individual Christians.
Charles Spurgeon:
Pay attention to the conversation of the average professing Christian. You might spend from the first of January to the end of December and never hear them speak about their faith. They will scarcely even mention the name of Jesus Christ at all. On Sunday afternoon what will they talk about at the dinner table? It will not be about the minister’s sermon, unless they want to point out some faults.
Do they ever talk about what Jesus said and did? What he suffered for us? When we go to each other’s houses, what will we talk about? I have concluded this: you will not know how to get to heaven simply by eavesdropping on the conversations of the members of the Church! We talk too little about our Lord. Is this not the truth? Many of us need to pray, ‘O Lord, revive your work in my soul, that my conversation may be more Christ-like, seasoned with salt, and kept by the Holy Spirit.’
… [Also] there is too little real communion with Jesus Christ…. Men and women, let me ask you, How long has it been since you have had an intimate conversation with Jesus Christ? Some of you may be able to say, ‘It was only this morning that I last spoke with him; I beheld his face with joy.’ But I fear that the great majority of you will have to say, ‘It has been months since I have been with the Lord.’
What have you been doing with your life? Is Christ living in your home and yet you have not spoken to him for months? Do not let me condemn you or judge; only your conscience speak: Have we not all lived too much without Jesus? Have we not grown contented with the world to the neglect of Christ?
… Our problem is this: there are many who say they want revival but they do not groan for it, they do not long for it.
Personal reflection:
- How would you characterize the informal conversations you have with other Christians? To what degree do you find yourself discussing matters of deep importance?
- What makes it challenging to engage in significant, Christ-centered conversations with other believers?
- How would you characterize the depth and consistency of your conversations with God? What do you think would help restore meaning and authenticity to your life of prayer?
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