The Sleeping Giant: Is It Time to Wake Up?

 

The Sleeping Giant: Is It Time to Wake Up?

The Sleeping Giant is more than just a catchy phrase; it's a powerful idea, and it's about you. It's about the potential within each of us, and within the Church as a whole, to rise up from a state of apathy and embrace a life of purpose and power.

The Sleeping Giant is... the Church! But not in the way you might be thinking. It's not about buildings or rituals. Those things can actually contribute to the "sleep." When we talk about the Church, we're talking about Ecclēsia – the people called out from the world and to God. It's the community of believers, the body of Christ. And right now, too much of that body is slumbering.

The truth is, many Christians agree that the Church needs to wake up, but they're unsure of how, or worse, unwilling to do what it takes. I've seen two major roadblocks hindering this awakening: religion and cost.

Religion: We've inherited a certain idea of what "church" is, and many of us have simply accepted it without question. But let's be honest, a lot of Christians aren't even happy with the current model. It often doesn't produce the kind of vibrant, transformative community described in the Bible. So why do we defend it so fiercely? Religion. It can blind us to the truth and make us cling to traditions that no longer serve their purpose. Jesus himself challenged religious structures, emphasizing community over rigid rules. Religion divides; community unites.

Cost: Following Jesus comes at a price. He made that clear. It might cost us money, friendships, even our sense of security. The Bible tells stories of people who turned away because they weren't willing to pay the price. And we see the same thing happening today. Many Christians acknowledge the need for change, but they're hesitant to step up. Waking up the Sleeping Giant requires effort, sacrifice, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It's easier to stay comfortable, to maintain the familiar, even if it's not fulfilling. But true discipleship demands more.

So, where do we go from here? Start by asking yourself these two critical questions:

  1. Has religion lulled me and my church into a state of slumber?
  2. Am I willing to pay the price to wake up the Sleeping Giant?

The answers to these questions will be your starting point. In my next post, I'll explore practical steps we can take to begin the process of awakening. Stay tuned!


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