Recently, scientists discovered the answer to why we occasionally experience that dreaded “brain freeze” when eating ice cream. The piercing pain in the ol’ temples is caused by an increase in blood flow and the enlarging of the anterior cerebral artery—located in the middle of the brain behind the eyes. This phenomenon occurs when our icy, sweet eats come into contact with the roof of our mouths and the back of our throats. How to avoid the big chill? Consider enjoying smaller bites of that Triple Thick Chocolate Explosion or whatever your favorite ice-cream flavor is!
There’s another kind of big chill that many of us face in life—spiritual freeze. Our hearts begin to cool to God and His Word, and then we soon experience the pain of lives spinning out of control. Jesus described people who exhibit a freeze in their faith as salt that “has lost its flavor” and a lamp hidden “under a basket” (Matthew 5:13,15). In contrast, He states that those who are passionate about their faith—even to the point of being persecuted for it—will receive “a great reward” (Matthew 5:11-12). So salt and light that penetrates our sin-sick culture and preserves what is good brings glory to God (Matthew 5:16) and a blessing to those who are exhibiting them!
How can we avoid the big chill? Paul gives us some insights: “Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people” (Philippians 2:15). As we pursue God, our spiritual flames will grow purer, brighter, and more true! And as we regularly meet and fellowship with like-minded believers in Jesus, we’ll increasingly develop “the qualities of salt among [ourselves]” (Mark 9:50).
Let’s avoid spiritual freeze by seeking God passionately and spending time with His people consistently!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Kings 2:13-25
More:
Read Isaiah 2:2-5 and check out what God will do in “the last days” (Isaiah 2:2) and where He wants His people to walk (Isaiah 2:5).
Next:
What has caused you to experience a spiritual freeze? How can you grow in your passion for God and for spending quality time with true believers in Jesus?
roxanne robbins on April 25, 2013 at 12:14 am
A good reminder that holiness is paramount for glorifying God — and for our own peace.
tom felten on April 25, 2013 at 9:03 am
Good thoughts, Roxanne! And holiness cannot be achieved in isolation, we need others to seeking God with other like-minded believers in Jesus.
mike wittmer on April 26, 2013 at 7:54 am
Thanks, Tom. So the way to avoid the spiritual chill is the opposite of how to avoid the ice cream chill–take larger bites! And work off (apply) what you eat!
daisymarygoldr on April 26, 2013 at 9:13 pm
Loved the freeze analogy, Tom Felten! Reminds me of Jesus’ warning, “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)
How can we revive our passion for God? All that needs to be done is to turn back the way we used to do things when we first fell in love with Him.
tom felten on April 29, 2013 at 9:15 am
Great verse, daisymarygoldr! I’m reminded of what happens when we remove an ember from a campfire. Soon it turns cold and gray as it lies on the ground alone. But the embers that remain within the fire glow together. It’s so vital for us to press on in fellowship with other believers in Jesus!
winn collier on April 26, 2013 at 11:36 pm
My youngest son had one of these freezes this evening. I probably have them, the spiritual sort, all the time.