One winter, The National Weather Service in Miami issued an unofficial warning for falling iguanas due to the unusual cold snap that hit the Sunshine State.
“This isn’t something we usually forecast,” the weather service tweeted, “but don’t be surprised if you see iguanas falling from the trees tonight as lows drop into the 30s and 40s.”
When the cold-blooded reptiles’ body temperature drops to fifty degrees, they become lethargic. Below forty, they stiffen up, lose their grip on the trees where they live, and drop onto unsuspecting passersby.
I’ve never seen a frozen iguana,—but I have seen the effects that cold has on people’s spiritual lives.
The Danger of Spiritual Coldness
Spiritual coldness can be deadly. Like the iguanas in Florida, it has the power to sneak up on us, with disastrous results.
Busyness can squeeze out our times of Bible reading and prayer. A change in work schedule (or an international pandemic) can make church attendance difficult. Even happy events like a new relationship, a new home, or a new baby can distract us from the habits and routines that govern our spiritual lives.
Our spiritual temperature drops, and we grow stiff and lethargic. We lose the desire to spend time in God’s Word and with God’s people. We’re less likely to give and serve. We justify our lack of spiritual energy. These are difficult times. I’ll spend more time with God when things get back to normal.
Before long, we’re in danger of losing our grip and falling. We’re not dead, but if something doesn’t change, we soon will be.
Has your spiritual temperature dropped to a dangerous level? Are you a toenail away from losing your grip and taking someone else down with you? Then it’s time to make a change. Here are 10 ways to renew your quiet time with God and get your spiritual blood pumping again.
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