Passivity

Passivity can be described as lethargy of will or a suppression of emotional responses to the circumstances of life. Passivity is an enemy of true peace. It often hides in the dark what should be resolved in the light. For many people, wounded by issues in the past, passivity has become a way of life to avoid facing further emotional pain in today’s difficult situations. However, this defence mechanism, while sometimes making the person seem very submissive and calm, often hides the truth of unresolved inner distress.

God’s order is that we would be able to respond with emotional reality to the events of life, bringing to Him the difficult choices and the hurts, to be restored to a place of true peace through confession of our own sin, and the forgiveness of those who have hurt us. Jesus demonstrated the perfect combination of alertness and peace.

Passivity may result from the side effects of medication, in which case it’s good to seek the Lord for alertness in the spirit. It can also be a family trait, or a learnt behaviour from parents in how to deal with life. But passivity is destructive to relationships, because rightful emotional response is an important aspect of human communication.

Passivity can also be a powerful barrier to true intimacy with God. Many religious practices actually promote passivity, while saying that they’re providing a way to peace or serenity. Many forms of meditation, for example, dull people’s spiritual and emotional responses to the truth of God, while opening doors to the lies of the enemy.

It’s important that followers of Jesus actively choose submission to the Prince of Peace, not giving any opportunity to a spirit of passivity, through lethargy of mind, will or emotions.

Prayer: Father, it’s my desire to fully reflect the alertness and the peace of Jesus, as I face, each day, the challenges of life. Thank You for helping me. Amen.