Failure to Grow in Godliness

[Guido]

Though a long time now I’ve often wanted to grow in godliness, I’ve failed to learn the Law of God, lacking the motivation to pray and to study the Bible. I do not consider its thoughts and language to fully exceed my comprehension, as long as I depend on the Holy Spirit to teach me. Nevertheless, I have long procrastinated, delaying to pray and to read scripture. And I have not prayed for much for that person whom I met in the hospital years ago for weeks now, except on occasion. I have not prayed for understanding, motivation, or other people consistently for a long time. I do not know whether it is lack of motivation or laziness that has prevented me, but several times I have asked God to take away both my laziness and my lack of motivation, though perhaps not always in the same prayer. While I may have begun to feel motivated after each of some of those times, the motivation did not last, nor did I continue praying.

 

[Ascetic X]

Though a long time now I’ve often wanted to grow in godliness, I’ve failed to learn the Law of God, lacking the motivation to pray and to study the Bible. I do not consider its thoughts and language to fully exceed my comprehension, as long as I depend on the Holy Spirit to teach me. Nevertheless, I have long procrastinated, delaying to pray and to read scripture. And I have not prayed for much for that person whom I met in the hospital years ago for weeks now, except on occasion. I have not prayed for understanding, motivation, or other people consistently for a long time. I do not know whether it is lack of motivation or laziness that has prevented me, but several times I have asked God to take away both my laziness and my lack of motivation, though perhaps not always in the same prayer. While I may have begun to feel motivated after each of some of those times, the motivation did not last, nor did I continue praying.

Have you been lethargic and unmotivated about other things in your life? Or is it only prayer and Bible reading?

 

[Guido]

Have you been lethargic and unmotivated about other things in your life? Or is it only prayer and Bible reading?

I've not felt like writing or coding much. When I've tried to practice coding and learn more of Java, a programming language I do not know well, I've not done much but quickly given up.

 

[Guido]

I am not sure if I am still having the same problem, as I haven't tried much lately.

 

[Ascetic X]

I am not sure if I am still having the same problem, as I haven't tried much lately.

Have you been blood tested for possible anemia?

Are you self-disciplined in other areas of your life?

Do you have zeal for anything, like a hobby, a romance, a game, cooking, hiking?

Are you also depressed in addition to feeling lethargic?

 

[timf]

The object of Christian maturity is Christ-likeness. This is accomplish to the degree we transition from the selfishness of the flesh to the selfless love of Christ. As we let go of living for self and find greater rewards in helping others we are able to reduce the influence the flesh has over us.

Seeing the Christian life as one defined by accomplishment can feed the flesh. The way the flesh is put to death (mortified) is by starvation.

Rom_8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

Rom_13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.