One of the common traits I see in believers who have succumbed to defeat of varying degrees is passivity. The passive believer is entangled into a web of complacency, not knowing that he is even in the web he has gotten himself into. For those of us who are trying to help, it is as my colleague, Senior Pastor Ritchie, has said; “It is like trying to push a string up a hill.” The passive person is one who offers no resistance or opposition to negative moods, negative thoughts, or sinful actions. When this condition is predominant, any temptation that comes their way will be embraced.
Furthermore, the believer in this condition has lost all of the spiritual assets that he needs to overcome the issues of life because his faith is superficial. As a general rule, he has left the Word of God as his guide and the person of God as his first love. From this place he gives temptation the power to overcome in any place, thought, mood, or in any sinful action. He is like a feather in the wind; whichever way the wind blows he will fly.
And, may I say, the condition of passivity is strengthened by the wisdom of the world to inculcate into his psyche that he is a victim, diseased and confined to this condition for the rest of his life. For example; “My name is Joe and I am an addict.”
Not knowing the truth and power of God, the only alternative for pain and suffering is to seek medication for relief which only brings further passivity. Medication may be appropriate in some instances to deal with serious mental issues, but it seems to have become the rule in every case to deal with issues that are spiritual at the root. As one woman who was taking a drug for depression explained; “Feelings are notoriously unreliable in most areas but they are vital in recognizing sin. When one turns to drugs to shut off the emotional response to the guilt of sin, one loses the ability to see sin and experience the godly sorrow that leads to repentance (II Cor. 7:10).”
One person has written; “A vacant mind invites dangerous inmates as a deserted mansion tempts wandering outcasts to enter and take up their abode in the desolate apartments.” Vacant and passive minds are fertile grounds for the temptation to harbor inmates of self-pity, depression, anxiety, lust, fear, anger, etc. The faculty that has been absent in this condition is the will. The will is to be actively engaged in discerning moods, thoughts, behaviors, etc., to prevent succumbing to any temptation that may come your way.
In I Kings 18:21, Elijah, the prophet, spoke to the children of Israel saying;“How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him, but if Baal, follow him.” Notice the indecision and passivity of the people’s answer. “But the people answered him not a word.” Only after there was a power encounter between Elijah and the Baal prophets of 450 men did the people fall on their faces and say; “The Lord, He is God. The Lord, He is God.” They recognized the power of God and made confession that He was Lord. Likewise, one must look to God as their only answer. Then the will must be engaged in making right choices in our moods, thoughts and behavior when faced with passivity and temptation. Right choices are rooted in the wisdom and instruction of the Word of God. Living according to God’s Word is an active thing. We are to cast off any passivity and take “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” (II Cor 10:5) This is a spiritual battle using weapons of warfare, the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-18. By an act of our will we fight against everything that would interfere with the well-being of our soul and our allegiance to Christ and His Word. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.”(Ps. 55:22)
Maybe you have become a victim with a disposition of passivity – vulnerable to every temptation that comes your way. Start by repenting of this sin in your life. Fall back in love with Christ. The Divine Architect has designed you and me and He loves us dearly! Make Him your first love. And know this, His hands have made you and fashioned you. (Ps.119:73) Start confessing; “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” II Tim. 1:7 Rebuke the spirit of passivity that is hindering your well-being by commanding the spirit of passivity out of your mind, emotions, and will. Blow out forcefully several times. Then, rejoice in your Deliverer who has promised to set you free. (Jn 8:36) “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things (your needs) shall be added unto you.”(Matt. 6:33)