Jeremiah 10:21-25
For the shepherds have become dull-hearted, And have not sought the LORD; Therefore they shall not prosper, And all their flocks shall be scattered (Jeremiah 10:21).

Spiritual dullness is another hindrance to guidance. The prophet referred to it as being dull-hearted. To be dull in this context simply means not exciting or interesting. It could also mean losing one’s cutting edge, sharpness and sensitivity.

Sometimes we miss divine direction because we do not value God’s voice or opinion in our lives. We love to and continue to lead ourselves. Yet the Bible says, “There is a way that seems right to a
man, but its end is the way of death… “(Proverbs 14:12). Some of us are not interested in spiritual things nor are we willing to learn about hearing God’s voice or receive His leading. We also lack interest in knowing how God can speak to us through His word and His Spirit in us.

When we lose our spiritual cutting edge, we will not be alert and sensitive to hear what God has to say. Many who have known God’s voice in the past may discover that they no longer hear or receive instructions from Him. We need to check ourselves because it may mean that we have become complacent in our spiritual discipline to keep our heart in shape.

The shepherds in the passage we read became dull-hearted because they fell short in their spiritual discipline of seeking God. Their complacency affected their ability to discern and care for the
flock. This is the danger of becoming spiritually dull. Its effect goes beyond us. Think on these things.

Your Turn

• Are you experiencing spiritual dullness in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you have
  missed it.
• Pray and ask the Lord to forgive your sins and set your heart on fire again.

Hymn: What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Reading through the New Testament: John 5