The Dangers of Spiritual Sleepwalking

by May 13, 2022Easy and Light

The Dangers of Spiritual Sleepwalking

But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.”

Acts 20:10 (ESV)

A ccording to Sleep Foundation, sleep-walking affects 29% of children and about 4% of adults. Tales of the family sleep-walker are retold both for a good laugh or for mutual concern. The term “sleep-walking” can also be used to explain one’s lack of focus or sense of going through the motions without the energy to care. An even more debilitating form of sleep-walking, often kept secret but commonly experienced, is that of coasting through one’s spiritual life. In Acts 20:7-12 we read about the gathering in an upper room where those present listened to the apostle Paul for hours. One young man who was sitting on the ledge of a window drifted off to sleep and fell three stories to the ground. Paul went to him, found him dead, and through the power of the Holy Spirit brought Eutychus back to life.
Lord, I confess not giving you priority. Forgive me. Wake me from this slumber, draw me near to you, and renew me. Amen.

Eutychus was tired. Scripture doesn’t detail why he was “sinking into a deep sleep” (vs. 9), but the fact that it was midnight (vs. 7) and that lamps were burning (vs. 8) while he was listening to Paul talk for hours (vs. 7) sets the scene for being lulled to sleep even if he was intent on hearing the message. His body’s need for sleep consumed him (vs. 9).

Eutychus’ dozing led to his death. The power of God led to his resurrection.

Just as the Holy Spirit, through Paul, restored Eutychus’ life, the Holy Spirit has the power to revive a spiritual life that has been lulled into dormancy by the cares of this world. The transformation from spiritual sleep-walking to living the abundant life begins with asking forgiveness and seeking renewal. The resulting life will not only bring comfort to the one whose spiritual life is revived, but also to those who witness the change (Acts 7:12).

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