We recently drove through one of our old family neighborhoods. After years of being away, it had not changed much and held a familiarity that brought a sense of peace. We didn’t have to program GPS or think of what route to take. Everything was in close proximity and most stores were in walking distance of each other.
Familiar means close acquaintance with or knowledge of something. Awareness of, the quality of being well known; recognizability based on long or close association.
The ease of familiarity can seem to provide a sense of peace, but we can also be lured into autopilot or muscle memory, which can lead to complacency.
Often, we gravitate towards what we know. We find solace in the predictability of parking in our usual spot, claiming our customary seat at church, traversing familiar roads, dining at regular intervals, and frequenting the same shops. While there’s a place for consistency, it’s crucial to remain vigilant to God’s Word and His plan for us. We must not become so ensnared in our patterns that we overlook His guidance and intentions for us, or risk discovering that His teachings no longer resonate with us.
Over recent years, we’ve encountered Pastors who initially approached their ministry with a fervent passion for God. They thrived in His Word, witnessing miracles, financial blessings, and remarkable growth. Yet, as time progressed, a sense of overfamiliarity with the scriptures crept in. The once vibrant and powerful Word began to feel monotonous and lost its impact. Sheer repetition will not produce results.
While a closeness and sense of peace feels good, there’s a risk of becoming too settled in our understanding of the Word, allowing it to slip into the realm of the mundane and routine. We need to stir ourselves up!
- Familiarity can hinder the flow of God’s power and anointing. When we become too familiar with God, we may lose our sense of awe and reverence. We can become neutralized to our gifts.
- Jesus experienced this firsthand in His hometown. The people there knew Him well, but questioning His background and family, they could not fully receive His miracles and teaching. Mark 6:1-3, 5
Psalm 35:23 reminds us:
“Stir up thyself and awake to my judgment, even unto my cause, my God and my Lord”.
God is always for us. He doesn’t need to be stirred up to us but, we need to continue to stir ourselves up and not become complacent.
Make this month a new opportunity to stir yourself up to God and His Word.
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