Brokenness

Brokenness is a deep term in the Christian faith. Even most Christians don’t have an idea about it’s meaning. I posted a nugget on Facebook a couple of weeks ago on “Brokenness Being a Sign of Spiritual Maturity.” And a young man was quick to react with so much venom in the tone of his comment.

He was very upset with the message of the nugget, he was out rightly mad at me. Because, he erroneously thought I was trying to tell the Facebook community, that being broke is an indication of spiritual growth. So, I had to quickly correct his misunderstanding on the actual meaning of brokenness with a comment and a follow-up nugget to explain the term.

Meaning of Brokenness in The Context of Christianity

Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”

Brokenness is one’s act of humility in the total acceptance of God. It isn’t the initial acceptance of Jesus into one’s life. Rather, it’s a level you get to, in your walk with God that you no longer struggle with the things an average Christian struggles with. Brokenness is a level of living completely in alignment with God’s ordinances.

Why We Need to Get Spiritually Broken

Yes, in order to live in submissiveness to God, be extremely powerful and dangerous spiritually then we need to be totally broken by God. God may not trust us with some life issues until we’re broken.

Additionally, brokenness  is everything in the walk with God. Especially, those who want to enjoy unending spiritual growth. It’s the level of our brokenness that will determine how far God will go with us. This points to the fact that, we’ve always been the problem of/to ourselves.

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

The Conditions for Brokenness

God’s requirements for brokenness are:

• Righteous and holy living.
• Submissiveness to His will always.
• Daily studying and mediation of His word.
• A prayer life that never dwindles.
• Constant witnessing of the Gospel of Christ, etc.

The Signs of Brokenness

Brokenness is a level we must all get to if we have heaven in view as our final destination. Also, a broken life is characterised by these signs that would be impossible to miss even by a non-Christian.

Some of the undeniable evidences of being broken are;

• Pride has no root in a life that is broken.
• The broken nature is not quick to react negatively.
• Considers how God would feel before any action is  even taken.
• Loves the unloveable
• Gives even out of little
• Is Selfless: Would do everything within his reach to help when necessary.
• Lives in complete obedience to Gods word.
• Understands the importance of prayer and lives it out.
• Is Conscious about Righteousness and Holiness.
• Does not compromise
• Is open to the Holy Spirit.
• Is teachable
• Takes criticisms well
• Puts God first before self
• Is more concerned about spiritual authority rather than the physical kind.
• Represents Jesus well everywhere.
• Is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.
• Is faithful at all times

Ultimately, if we desire spiritual growth; God’s divine presence constantly; a continual outpouring of the Holy Spirit and spiritual power that can’t be gainsayed. Then we must allow God trim and prune us completely until there are no thorns and thistles left. Only then, will true brokenness happen.

 

 

 

Also Read Ungodliness