Softness

When we speak of softness, we are referring to an emotional and spiritual liability.  Soft can mean “undemanding; easy, comfortable. . . . weak, spiritless, etc., as from lack of effort or challenge.”[1]  It can mean “lacking strength of character; weak,” and “out of condition; flabby.”[2] This is the very opposite to what our character should be.  It is the opposite of strong.

Paul writes, “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).  “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (16:14).  He says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).  “I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one” (1 John 2:14b).

We need to renounce our softness and be strong in the Lord.  We need to cast off our easy living and be willing to “suffer hardship” for the Lord Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). We need to be Spartan in our self-discipline for the Lord Jesus. Anything less than this is less than what God wants and deserves!

It may be good for us to miss a meal sometimes, as did Jesus (Mark 3:20; 6:31).  We may find benefit in losing a night of sleep (Luke 6:12) or arising long before dawn for prayer (Mark 1:35).  We may find value in fasting from food on occasion (Matthew 4:1-2), and should allow our schedules to be ruined sometimes (Mark 3:20-21).  You see, soft and comfortable living can be an enemy of our spiritual life and an opponent of our work for the Lord.

 

[1] Random House Webster’s College Dictionary.

[2] The American Heritage College Dictionary.