Are You Plugged In?

In a world driven by constant connectivity, it's ironic how easily we become spiritually disconnected. We panic when our phones reach 5% battery, but we often fail to notice when our spiritual lives are dangerously low on power. The same way our devices require a steady connection to a power source to function properly, our souls require an unbroken, intentional connection to God to stay alive and vibrant. Romans 12:11 tells Christians to be "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." This isn’t just a suggestion, it’s a command. The word “fervent” comes from a Greek term meaning to boil or burn with energy. God does not desire a passive, or lukewarm faith (cf. Revelation 3:15–16), but one that is burning with love, passion, and commitment. If we’re honest, many of us are spiritually running on low power, distracted by comfort, and slowly unplugging from the very source of life, joy, and purpose.

Zeal for God is not a personality trait or a temporary spiritual high; it is the natural result of walking closely with Jesus. It grows when we intentionally nurture our relationship with Him through His Word, through prayer, and through meaningful fellowship with other believers. In Acts 2:42–47, the early church was “plugged in” to Christ and to one another. They were “continually devoting” themselves to the apostles’ doctrine, to the breaking of bread, to prayers, and to a shared community life. Their zeal wasn’t manufactured, it was a byproduct of their spiritual disciplines. In contrast, when our Bible study becomes sparse, our prayer life cold, and our church attendance sporadic, our fire begins to fade. Like the chorus of the worship song Light the Fire pleads:

“Light the fire in my soul, fan the flame, make me whole.Lord, You know where I’ve been, so light the fire in my heart again.”

This cry is more than poetic; it’s biblical. Psalm 51:10–12 contains a similar plea from David: for God to renew a steadfast spirit, restore the joy of salvation, and uphold a willing heart. These are the words of someone desperate to be reconnected to the Source after drifting away.

One of the greatest threats to spiritual fervor is complacency. The church at Laodicea in Revelation 3:15–17 serves as a chilling example. They were materially wealthy but spiritually bankrupt and lukewarm in their devotion, self-satisfied, and unaware of their condition. Jesus said He would "vomit" them out of His mouth because their apathy was more offensive than outright rejection. Lukewarmness is a deceptive condition that allows us to feel religious without being truly devoted. It’s like sitting by a fire but never feeling the heat. Passion for God is not always loud or dramatic, but it is always sincere and sacrificial. Paul’s life in 1 Corinthians 9:16 shows us a heart that was truly on fire: he said, “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” That kind of urgency doesn’t come from routine religion but rather it comes from deep conviction and a heart fully surrendered to God.

To reignite spiritual passion, we must take responsibility for our own spiritual temperature. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6 to “fan into flame the gift of God.” This suggests that the fire of faith, once lit, can dwindle if neglected. It also reminds us that spiritual fervor is not automatic; it must be pursued. How? By feeding the flame with God’s Word (Psalm 119:105), surrounding ourselves with godly companions (Proverbs 27:17), and choosing daily to walk in obedience (John 14:15). Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages us to stir one another up to love and good works and to meet regularly, not just to gather, but to grow. Sadly, many Christians rely on a past conversion or an emotional experience to carry them forward. But a fire that is never fed will eventually burn out. To be plugged in means to be active, alert, and anchored in the spiritual disciplines that fuel devotion and renew perspective.

Prayer is one of the most powerful ways we stay plugged in. Even Jesus, the Son of God, often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16). If He needed to reconnect with the Father regularly, how much more do we? Prayer is not just about asking for things, rather it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s will and inviting Him to reignite our passion. Scripture reading is another vital connection point. According to 2 Timothy 3:16–17, all Scripture is God-breathed and equips us for every good work. When we neglect the Bible, we cut ourselves off from the very words that fuel our souls. Worship, private and public, also reconnects us to the greatness of God and recenters our hearts. These habits don’t save us, but they keep us near the Savior who does. They don’t make God love us more, but they help us love Him more.

When believers unplug from these rhythms, they begin to drift. Zeal is replaced by obligation. Conviction is replaced by convenience. Eventually, church becomes a box to check, Scripture becomes stale, and prayer becomes rare. This is why Paul’s charge to “be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13) is so necessary. Christianity is not a passive religion, it’s a daily, disciplined pursuit of God. Like charging a device every night to ensure it runs the next day, we must “charge” our hearts by seeking the Lord regularly. Fellowship with believers is also non-negotiable. We were never meant to run on our own. Zeal is contagious, and so is apathy. Who you surround yourself with often determines whether your spiritual flame is fanned or smothered.

Ultimately, staying plugged in means abiding in Christ (John 15:4–5). He said plainly that we can do nothing apart from Him, not some things, not a few things, nothing. If we are not connected to the vine, we will wither spiritually. But if we remain in Him—if we pursue Him daily, love Him deeply, obey Him sincerely, our lives will bear fruit. Our zeal will not be circumstantial or seasonal, but constant and growing. It will endure through trials (James 1:2–4), shine in the darkness (Philippians 2:15), and overflow in good works (Titus 2:14). Ask yourself honestly today: Are you plugged in? Is your soul on fire, or are you coasting on yesterday’s flame? If your heart has grown cold, let God light the fire again. Pray the words of Light the Fire, and let them become the cry of your soul: “Lord, You know where I’ve been, so light the fire in my heart again.” Let today be the day you reconnect with the Source and burn brighter than ever before.