Have you ever felt this way see below?

Question

Years ago things were less complicated and less busy and I had such a zeal and passion for God and I LOVED going to church I was the first to get there and the last to leave.

But of late since 2001 I have not had the passion and the zeal for God that I would like to have like I did back then.

God has blessed me and I want in turn to bless and encourage others.

However I would like to have more zeal and enthuisiam when it comes to going to church and there have been some people in my church who have been very demanding of me, have not ministered to me in my time of need, and basically are the first to take from me but the very last to give in return.

I have not been excited or enthused about church in a long time and I feel badly because it is a prildige to go to church, How do I reenew my mind in this case and start to go ahead in my Christian walk?

Answer 1

I think it is time you switched churches, even denominations. Pray to God and ask him where he is leading you. These kinds of thing should not be happening in a church, you should feel encouraged asn well as encouraging. This is not about you feeling less about God, but only about your place of worship. I hope this helps. God bless.

Answer 2

It's called burn-out. You need to slow down and focus on what's important about church attendance... which is to worship God. Slow down on your church activities and just go with no other agenda but to worship. People get easily caught up in the motion of churchiness and church business that they forget why they even started going in the first place. Slow down and smell the roses. That's the only way you will regain your zeal and enthusiasm for it again. I haven't always been atheist and I know what you're feeling... I was a minister consumed with zeal enthusiasm for serving... serving... and more serving. Service is necessary but worship is priority in church... or at least it should be.

Answer 3

First remember change don't come until we change. Perhaps they think you are fully grown in christ. Maybe they don't know your needs. Do you have good friends that you can confide in I mean sometimes you have to make your needs known. Are you reading your bible as before, praying as before? There are all types of people in the church, personality, characters, some true believers, hypocrites, babes, its a growth process for Christians. Personally, I doubt if the majority of thoses people are intentionally treating you in this manner. If so talk to the Pastor, Elders, someone who is strong in the lord/authority. Remember again the devil is a deceiver he will make things appear to be worse than they really are. He wants to steal our zeal/joy he knows once he takes that we are on our road to giving up. Hang in there, Jesus Loves you, trust him. God Bless you!!!

Answer 4

Sometimes we can become 'weary in well doing'. Especially when, as you mention, there are those who take without giving. These 'leeches' steal not just our blessings, but our enthusiasm. But you can change this. First stop giving to the leeches. Recognise them for what they are, wolves in sheeps clothing. Try to help them see the error of their ways with the truth of God's word. If that isn't enough for them then simply have no more to do with them. But don't let them wear you down and steal your time, blessings and joy.

You are God's best. Remember, no matter waht anyone on this earth says or does, God still loves you and is very proud of your efforts for him. And after all, it is God we work for, not men. So take your wages from God every night for the good you do that day and enjoy your life.

Answer 5

It's not always about what you get in return. Giving is an awesome gift all in itself. At least you are able to give. Don't worry about what people give you or do for you hear remember that your blessings are held somewhere else. My pastor once told me that sometimes you have to make your own joy and maybe that is true about your zeal. You just need to be refreshed so ask God for that. He is a loving God, when you take one step towards him he will take a hundred towards you. He longs for our time just like we long for our spouse's time. Spend time with him and your joy will be renewed. Have a happy new year. You will be in my prayers.

Answer 6

sounds like you are being used. and to me you should maybe find a new church, maybe not quit the church completely but visit others. or you could distance yourself from the ones that are doinf this, talk to your pastor or priest. I think I would go to another church and ask god to guide me in this journey that you have which sounds beautiful and you dont see people like you out there anymore willing to help and love others truly from the heart, that is so few and far between. God Bless You for giving others hope that you are still out there. and good luck with your journey

Answer 7

Do as I do and ask God for the strength and wisdom to overcome this obstacle in your life.

For about 8 years I walked away from God. But it took a very low point in my life for me to, out of desperation, reach towards God for help. That day he entered my life and never have I felt so alive.

Now I dont pray the typical way. I instead talk to God throughout the day. Everytime I approach and obstacle or a fork in the road I consult God and he follows through.

Answer 8

Oh sweetie, I do understand what you're going through. I went through the same thing. What happens is that, as you mature, you start watching how others relate to the Lord. Often, they don't seem as committed as they say they are. Their lives don't line up with what they say. It's very discouraging to one who has a fire for God. What's really happening is the enemy of our soul wants to put our fire out, and make us useless. He knows that he can't touch our soul, but he can get us to take our eyes off the Lord, and onto people and stuff. We need to recognize that it's him that's doing this, and tell him to bug off. Reading our Bible daily helps us stay connected to the Lord, as well as prayer, and being connected with mature believers. Our enemy tries to do everything he can to separate us from our church family, the Bible, and time with our Lord. He'll use whatever means he can to do this, trying to get our attention on unimportant things. His greatest weapon is using other believers, pitting one against the other, causing church splits, arguments, gossip and backbiting. Often, we get mad at the people, instead of recognizing it for what it really is...an attack of the enemy. But, many Christians don't want to believe that they're being used by our enemy to do his work for him. After all, they're Christians, and would know it if he were doing so. I look at what you wrote, and can tell that it's been happening in your church. You say that "some people...have been very demanding of you...", telling me that the enemy is using others to discourage you. Also, you must remember that God works in each person differently, and at a different rate. Some grow quickly, while others don't seem to grow at all. Just remember how long it took you to come to the Lord. It might have been fast, or maybe took several years. Sometimes we just have to have more patience with people, praying that God will show them the way. It's easy to just throw your hands up and quit your church. What's harder is sticking with them, and working through your issues with their issues. It's like a family. It's always best to work through your family's issues than to cut & run. Often what happens then is that those issues follow you wherever you go. God wants you to work through them, 'cause He's trying to teach you something, as well as teaching others too. He never brings anything into our lives without providing a way...not around it...but through it. Oh how I wish you were in my little town, where I would give you the benefit of my years of experience in this matter. God loves harmony among us, when we're all working together, keeping Him as our number one focus. When we take our eyes off of Him, and onto others and their pettiness, we lose sight of Who this is all about. It's not about your need, or their greed. It's about serving Him. If everyone is arguing and having hurt feelings, who's serving Him? And who wins? If you have any more questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me. <*)))><

Answer 9

I have to admit it, but I do have a hard time going to church. Sometimes I can't stand it, the self rightouse people. They think they are better than you. etc.
But we have to go for ourselves. Read and study holy scriptures. Our physical bodies need to be nourished and fed. And our spirit body needs to be nourished and fed. By doing good. And read scriptures and pray. So we can feel closer to God. And it makes us feel better. But I believe in taking breaks from church. But I believe that we must go back to church too. To find our nourishment. I know we get so caught up in the worldly things of life. And sometimes it is so hard to pick up the bible and read. Don't get discouraged. Alot of us out there feel the same way. But we must let go of the worldly life. To feel closer to God.

Answer 10

You could try attending a different church of the same faith and make NEW friends.

You could also do volunteer/charity work for the needy.
That might renew your enthusiasm. I think though, you are just experiencing burnout from having friends that just use you and don't give back.

I'd look for another church with new faces!