Apathy

http://thesaurus.com/browse/apathy

Christians have historically condemned apathy as a deficiency of love and devotion to God and 'his works'; this interpretation of apathy is also referred to as Sloth and is listed among the Seven Deadly Sins, wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.

The simple definition of Apathy is the mindset of I don't care for anyone but myself!

I believe that this is the biggest problem that is running rampant throughout our churches today. Apathy, also known as impassivity, is a state of indifference and suppression of our emotions or passion. An apathetic Christian demonstrates a lack of interest in the deeper truths of the Word, preferring instead to stay within their own personal comfort zone that best fits their own personal life style. They are largely in denial of the things happening around them that declares Christ’s soon return. Apathy causes one to become more concerned about their own personal problems over the deeper problems of others who are also part of the family of God.

Do you find yourself saying?

·         Don't blame me.

·         I didn't do anything.

·         It’s not up to me.

·         I have no time.

·         It’s their problem, it does not concern me.

·         I go to church, what else do you want.

·         God will help them so there is nothing I can do.

If this sounds like you, perhaps you unknowingly have a problem with apathy which makes you lukewarm, disinterested, and non-committed to others needs which is the direct opposite of God’s calling upon us.

If you think that this does not apply to you, please consider this: if you are not part of the solution, if you are not maturing as a Christian and helping others to do likewise, then you are in apathy!  

Apathy is becoming more and more rampant throughout our present day church system. However, fewer and fewer people are discussing or even admitting that there is a real problem. So, is apathy really a growing problem today?

When we are in Apathy we enter a spiritual depression like state of existence. This is exactly what Lucifer wants in these last days, he does not want Christians to be on fire for God, but in a spiritual state of indifference, Satan wins when we become indifferent, for a Christian that is apathetic to others needs is no kind of living witness for Christ at all. Apathy in my opinion is Lucifer’s greatest deception within the church community.

As the symptoms of apathy set in; we basically stop caring for anyone outside of our tiny group of friends. Who of us comes from a family where grandparents, aunts, uncles, father, mother, brothers and sisters all think and act the very same? None of us, for we are all unique individuals. But in our Christian family we expect everyone to think and act exactly as we do, to interpret the Scriptures in the very same manner that we see it. We have separated ourselves within denominational walls, and even within these walls we see the same people gathering in separate corners while largely ignoring fellow Christian family members. Fewer and fewer Christians today find the time to serve their churches or fellow brethren with their talents. Many have placed their earthly treasures above the command of helping others as compared to just ten or twenty years ago. Looking at the decrease of the servant attitude, coupled with the general lack of concern or willingness for deeper spiritual growth, indeed we truly have a growing Apathy problem!  

There are now Doctors in the medical profession that would like to see apathy regarded as a syndrome (sort of like an illness). In a review article by Robert van Reekum, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.; along with Donald T. Stuss, Ph.D.; Laurie Ostrander, R.N. they report on studies that found that both apathy and depression are a package deal. http://neuro.psychiatryonline.org/article.aspx?articleid=101931  

In our spiritual life, apathy can also be considered a disease, for when the lack of Christ like caring is taken into account, how can we say that we are spiritually in good health? The question then is, are you on fire for God or in a state of spiritual stagnation and depression?

We have become desensitized to both the spiritual and physical needs of others around us. I have both personally experienced and heard of many stories from both Christians and non-Christians alike that have gone to a new church just to be met with a spirit of indifference, apathy. The world is quickly becoming divided into two groups of people. Those whom feel that the government or Christ will totally take care of them along with those who are now coming from many different perspectives. People who are now beginning to understand that the world, as we know it, is about to become permanently turned upside down, changing the very foundation of modern life as we all now know it.

The world is reaching out for answers as no other time in the 6000 year history of planet earth. This is why I opened Prophecy Times, a friendly place where the multifaceted family of God along with those just starting their search for truth can present their interpretive articles of prophecy and biblical wisdom while others learn by reading and asking questions.

H. Norman Wright states that we have about 40,000 thoughts a day. My question is, how many of these thoughts are self-centered and how many are outwardly focused towards others? Could Christ have lived the perfect sinless life if His focus was self-centered instead of outwardly focused towards serving? NO! If we want to truly walk in Jesus footsteps, we must not be so caught up in our own temporal life that we lose the fact that as Christians we are the physical body of Christ while on this earth. We are to be His hands, His feet, and His comforting arms to those in need around us.  

What does the Bible say about Apathy

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16 ESV)

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV)

Do not be slothful (apathetic) in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. (Romans 12:11 ESV)

The Only Cure For Apathy Is To Wake Up!

Somewhere on our Christian journey, many have forgotten what is truly important, the true purpose of our relationship with Christ. Excuses have become habit forming and habits have become a way of life. As believers, if we are not experiencing the full wonders of the Christian experience while still here on earth, we stagnate, become lukewarm and detestable unto God.

Now is the time to pray that God will lift the SPIRIT (demon) OF APATHY from our country, our church, and mostly ourselves. As we come nearer to the great tribulation period, God needs people who are on fire for Him, not Christians full of excuses and Apathy. Now is the time to wake up and be in the service of our Lord, for we do not know the day or the hour of our Lord’s return. Will He find you on fire in His work or in apathy?

Brother Chris 21/5/2012