Apathy, the Greatest Enemy: Part 3

In our previous articles on this subject we defined apathy and explained its anatomy. In this article we will discuss the effects of apathy and how to overcome it.

Apathy results in neglect of spiritual matters, which is disastrous to the soul. The Hebrews writer wrote, "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…" (Heb.2:3)? Apathy brings God's disapproval and punishment, as was the case with the members of the church at Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-17). These Christians were lukewarm--they were just "playing church" instead of being zealous and accomplishing good works for the Lord. God viewed them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

If you feel you have been apathetic toward the Lord, here are some steps that will help you overcome apathy if you practice them regularly:

Resolve to love the Lord. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind" (Matt. 22:37). Determine to develop a love for God that is greater than: 1) family (Matt. 10:37); 2) desire for material gain (Matt. 19:16-22); and 3) self (Matt. 16:24). Love is expressive. "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

Resolve to work. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor. 15:58). Begin by determining to study the Bible diligently, regularly, and properly (2 Tim. 2:15). The wise will look first to God's word and ascertain his will for their lives and then act upon what they learn. Paul spoke of his Jewish brethren as being zealous for God but not according to knowledge ( Rom. 10:2).

To overcome apathy requires daily effort. It can be done through faith, love and hope! Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4, 5; Heb. 11:6). When faith, love and hope are working in you, apathy has no basis. Apathy will then go away due to lack of energy--it will cease to exist like a fire when the fuel is shut off or removed. Action takes the place of laziness; indifference is conquered by zeal, and silence cannot prevail.

Edmund Burke (1795) wrote, "Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference, which is, at least, half infidelity." That is a good quote to remember as you seek to live a life of love with a desire to obey God in everything you do.

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