Reconnecting with the Essence: Back to the Basics of Faith

I read this quote today, and it has clung to me: “To rob God of nothing; to refuse Him nothing; to require of Him nothing; this is great perfection.” Jeanne Guyon. It reminded me of how important it is to return back to the basics of faith.

Who is Jeanne Guyon

Jeanne Guyon (1648-1717) was a renowned French writer who made significant contributions to Christianity. She was deeply influenced by the contemplative tradition and had a profound understanding of the inner life and union with God. Guyon’s most famous work, “A Short and Easy Method of Prayer,” emphasized the practice of interior prayer and the importance of a direct, personal connection with God through the heart. Her teachings focused on surrender, simplicity, and silence in one’s relationship with God. Guyon’s writings have had a lasting impact on the Christian contemplative tradition and continue to inspire those seeking a deeper, more intimate connection with God.

God is talking … do we still listen?

Yesterday, I met with a sister I love so much. I asked her …as I often ask those I care about, “What is God saying to you in this season?” She made me answer first.

I shared that God is calling me back to the basics of my spiritual walk before the stuff, before the distractions [were allowed to be distractions], and before the “noise” of my current life season.

The separation of a brand new Christian who devours the Word of God every day, taking notes, memorizing, and sharing.

What does getting back to the basics of faith mean to me?

He’s beckoning me back to that “milk of the Word” relationship I had when I was a new Christian. In the end, all that matters is our relationship with Jesus Christ.

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” Revelation 2:4-5

Nothing else really matters, ya know? My prayer requests don’t matter; my personal “petty” ambitions are of little significance. They don’t matter.

My earthly positions are trash compared to the love, fellowship, and will of my Savior. I need to return to the place of desperately needing and craving Him. That’s where peace lives. That’s where joy resides.

The basics…just He and I.

Like worship with no music. Simple. Clean. Authentic.

Now, that’s perfection.

What does back to the basics of faith look like?

Rekindling one’s first love for Jesus, as mentioned in the Bible, involves a process of returning to the deep, fervent, and passionate relationship with Christ that you may have had when you first became a believer. It involves patience.

Here are some steps to help you get back to your first love:

Self-Examination: Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey and assess whether you have drifted away from your initial love and passion for Christ. Identify areas where you have grown distant. That is the first step of getting back to the basics of faith.

Repentance: If you’ve allowed other priorities, sins, or distractions to come between you and your relationship with Jesus, confess them, and seek God’s forgiveness. Repentance is a vital step in returning to your first love. Jesus is that first love and He is beckoning us to return back to the basics of faith.

Prayer: Reconnect with God through prayer. Spend time in intimate and honest conversations with Him. Share your thoughts, concerns, and desires, and listen for His guidance.

Scripture: Revisit the Scriptures and meditate on the teachings of Jesus. Allow His words to renew your passion and understanding of His love and purpose for your life.

Worship: Engage in heartfelt worship, praising God for His grace, mercy, and love. Sing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs that inspire devotion.

Fellowship: Connect with other believers who share your commitment to Christ. Join a community or a small group where you can encourage and be encouraged in your faith journey.

Serve Others: Actively seek opportunities to serve and love others as Jesus did. Acts of kindness and service can rekindle your passion for Him.

Simplify: Reevaluate your priorities and declutter your life. Remove distractions and time-wasting activities that hinder your relationship with Christ.

Set Aside Quiet Time: Dedicate regular, uninterrupted time for prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible. Create a sacred space for your personal encounter with God.

Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the blessings in your life. Thank God daily for His love, grace, and the gift of salvation.

Now is a good time to say returning to your first love is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It involves consistent effort, a genuine desire to draw closer to Jesus, and a willingness to surrender your heart and life to Him. As you rekindle your love for Christ, you’ll discover a renewed sense of joy, purpose, and fulfillment in your faith journey.

How do we get back to the basics of faith?

What are the steps of finding out way back to the fervor and newness in Christ?

Getting back that initial spark with Jesus, like the Bible says, is all about reigniting that deep, passionate connection with Him that you had when you first became a believer. Here are a few steps to help you rekindle that first love:

Self-Examination: Take time to reflect on your spiritual journey and assess whether you have drifted away from your initial love and passion for Christ. Identify areas where you have grown distant.
Repentance: If you’ve allowed other priorities, sins, or distractions to come between you and your relationship with Jesus, confess them, and seek God’s forgiveness. Repentance is a vital step in returning to your first love.
Prayer: Reconnect with God through prayer. Spend time in intimate and honest conversations with Him. Share your thoughts, concerns, and desires, and listen for His guidance.
Scripture: Revisit the Scriptures and meditate on the teachings of Jesus. Allow His words to renew your passion and understanding of His love and purpose for your life.
Worship: Engage in heartfelt worship, praising God for His grace, mercy, and love. Sing songs, hymns, and spiritual songs that inspire devotion.
Fellowship: Connect with other believers who share your commitment to Christ. Join a community or a small group where you can encourage and be encouraged in your faith journey.
Serve Others: Actively seek opportunities to serve and love others as Jesus did. Acts of kindness and service can rekindle your passion for Him.
Simplify: Reevaluate your priorities and declutter your life. Remove distractions and time-wasting activities that hinder your relationship with Christ.
Set Aside Quiet Time: Dedicate regular, uninterrupted time for prayer, meditation, and reading the Bible. Create a sacred space for your personal encounter with God.
Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for the blessings in your life. Thank God daily for His love, grace, and the gift of salvation.

Remember that returning to your first love and getting back to the basics of faith is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It involves consistent effort, a genuine desire to draw closer to Jesus, and a willingness to surrender your heart and life to Him. As you rekindle your love for Christ, you’ll discover a renewed sense of joy, purpose, and fulfillment in your faith journey.