Rings Picture: Second and Third Ring

Second post in a series from a picture Mary Pat received which has ministered to many Christians the past two years.

The second ring area represents an average Christian lifestyle, lukewarmness for many aspects of the Kingdom while typically not realizing it. This is the place where unhealed hurts, wounds, and hindrances in our lives remain hidden (a general disinterest to either "go there" or walk out the process). The warmth of the Lord is reduced significantly making it difficult to receive on a regular basis. There is hindered revelation of what God is really doing and many decisions are made intellectually, lacking true anointing. It's a place where vulnerably and transparency are not the norm, only occasional. There is a lack of desire for consistent radical Christian living, which demonstrates itself in complacency, control, and many emotional ups and downs (as opposed to a general state of rest). This is a place where we are not really "in love" with Jesus (in a practical way) even though we say that we love HIM. Pride rules more than humility, but doesn't seem to be evident to the person. Intimate moments with the Lord can occur, but don't seem to "last." Self is more important than wholehearted submission to the Lord (usually nor seen by the person). Distractions in life have overshadowed the passionate pursuit of, and intense zeal for, the Lord. Great declarations of intent occur with sparse follow-through as a result of only inconsistently receiving the Lord's transformation. Spurts of thankfulness replace a truly grateful heart.

The third ring area represents more blinding of the eyes. There is an inability/refusal to receive love and direction from the Lord. It's where hardening of the heart has significantly increased from the second ring, and little warmth from the Lord's love is felt. Willingness to be led by self rather than the Lord is now evident for many to see. While saying they believe in some version of Christianity, their lives truly reflect major unbelief. There is little relationship with the Lord so major strongholds are prevalent, causing the person to lead a very defeated life while thinking he's fine. This is where great rebellion, religion, ingratitude, and control thrive while doing some "good Christian things." Because of the lack of light/heat from the fire of God, the enemy has infiltrated for the "kill." It's not good to be on this slippery slope.

Comments? Questions? Share your heart!

Next installment: The Enemy's Strategy