Understanding Spiritual Awakening in Everyday Terms
What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Awake?
The Bible tells us that we are “children of light and children of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So, then, let us not fall asleep as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:5-6). In simple words, this means we shouldn’t ignore spiritual things or live life on autopilot. Instead, we should be aware, alert, and thoughtful about our relationship with God and how we live our lives.
Many people go through life barely thinking about their spiritual well-being. It’s as if they’re asleep—unaware of what’s really important. But those who follow Jesus are supposed to be different. We’re meant to live in a way that shows our faith, our love for God, and our hope for the future. These three things—faith, love, and hope—are like armor that protects us and keeps us focused.
Why Do We Need to “Wake Up”?
The world can feel like it’s getting darker, with more confusion and problems every day. As Christians, we’re called to be “children of the light,” which means we should live honestly and with purpose. We shouldn’t be spiritually sleepy or unaware, but awake and ready to respond to God’s truth.
There’s a strong sense that the church—the whole community of believers—needs to wake up. Too many have become comfortable or stuck in routine, just going through the motions. In Ephesians 5:14, the Bible says, “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” This is a call for all of us to shake off spiritual laziness and let God’s light shine in our lives.
What Gets in the Way?
Sometimes, unhealthy desires or habits distract us from God. These aren’t just the obviously bad things, but also the attitudes we might excuse or overlook. For example, placing money or success above God, or going along with the crowd even when we know it’s wrong. If we ignore or excuse these things in ourselves or others, we’re not living as children of light.
Instead, we should try to live in ways that honor God, showing joy and kindness, and setting a good example for others. When people truly turn to God, He forgives and changes them. But if we keep ignoring what’s wrong, it only leads to trouble. We’re also called to lovingly point out when something is wrong, not to judge, but to help each other grow.
Personal Experience: A Call to Courage
On November 21, 2007, I felt God saying to me, “You will have to be strong and courageous. Many are living for themselves without seeing the condition of God’s house.” As someone who worked in the church, I noticed that many people left church feeling empty and weak in their faith. This isn’t what God wants for us.
When I read Jesus’ letters to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, and books like “The Church Awakening” by Charles R. Swindoll, I realized that churches can drift away from what really matters. Sadly, even years later, not much has changed. There’s still a lot of confusion and spiritual blindness, both in the church and in the world.
Moving Past “Dead Religion”
Throughout history, there have been times when the church “woke up” during periods of spiritual laziness. We need that again! We have to move away from just going through religious motions and instead seek a real, living relationship with God. The church’s mission is to “make disciples of all nations,” teaching people to follow Jesus (see Matthew 28:19-20).
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is one who keeps the Law.” This means that without clear direction from God, people lose their way. The church needs God’s guidance to stay on track and fulfill its purpose.
Understanding the Times
Romans 13 tells us, “The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed…So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” In other words, now is the time to take our faith seriously and live in a way that honors God.
We need to ask ourselves: Are we committed to living for God? Or are we just going along with the crowd? Being lukewarm or half-hearted won’t accomplish God’s plans for His people.
Lessons from the Seven Churches
In the Book of Revelation, Jesus sends messages to seven different churches, pointing out their strengths and weaknesses. These lessons still matter for us today. For example, one church was busy doing good things but had lost its passion for God. Another was struggling to stay faithful in tough times. Jesus tells them to “wake up, strengthen what remains and is about to die” (Revelation 3:1-3).
Looking back at history, many spiritual revivals—times when people turned back to God in a big way—started because people were hungry for something real. The church isn’t just about meeting practical needs, but also about helping people experience the power and presence of God. We all need to be renewed and filled with God’s Spirit.
The Bottom Line
God is calling us to wake up and strengthen what’s left before it’s too late. We still have important work to do before Jesus returns. The early church in the Book of Acts was full of energy and purpose because they relied on the Holy Spirit every day—not just for miracles, but in how they lived and shared their faith.
Let’s not miss what God wants to do in us and through us. It’s time to wake up!
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 