Romans 3:10b-11 states clearly that “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands, no one seeks for God.” These are difficult words to stomach, but they are undoubtedly true when we reflect on the desires of our flesh. Only by the spirit do we want to “seek for God.” In Ephesians 5:1, it says we need to follow Jesus’ example, and the only way we can know him and how to follow is through reading his word. God also uses the Bible to direct our steps (Psalm 119:105). We need direction daily, and the less we allow ourselves to be directed, the further we will drift away from him.
Reading the Bible, praying or going to church can sometimes be hard, but it has been said that discipline leads to desire. Take working out for example. Working out is something that makes us healthy as humans, but we need to build up the endurance to workout for long periods of time. Working out daily for an hour will only last so long if you are a beginner, but if you do five minutes a day the workouts will not seem as bad, and you will probably begin to enjoy them and crave them. It will not be a chore to workout, but you will begin to see the benefits long term. Some of the best workouts can come when you just push through and do it even when you don’t want to. In the same way, taking the time and energy to read the bible, pray or go to church will begin to regenerate our souls to desire him more. By disciplining ourselves to spend time daily with our Father, we will realize how much we need it, thus building up endurance and causing us to ultimately crave the outcome.
Even so, we can still be authentic on the days when we’re feeling spiritually unmotivated or discouraged. You don’t have to fake it; God is willing to meet you right where you’re at. At times it may be the opposite of what you feel like doing, but in the long run, you will never regret choosing to spend time with Him.