Are We Apathetic?

Bulletin

Andy Brenton
07/14/19 - Zeal

Apathetic Christianity is a real disease infecting the Body of Christ. In fact, Jesus rebuked the church at Laodicea for being such. Apathy is affecting the church in several ways. Here are a few to consider:

First, for some the Christian faith has become something that is incomplete. They’ve come to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord, but live as the race is already complete. However, becoming a Christian is not the end of the race, it is the beginning! We are told by Paul to work out our salvation daily. This “work out” suggests exercise and commitment, not apathy and laziness. There is a powerful enemy that seeks to kill and destroy us, robbing us of joy and victory. Who do you think are the easiest targets? Apathetic Christians!

Secondly, all too often their faith has become self-focused. Their mentality is that “I’ve accepted Christ as Savior; therefore I’m good to go.” Their attitude toward their neighbor seems to be “I’ve been saved, but you’re on your own.” Our faith should excite us so much that we want to shout it out from the rooftops and tell everyone we know about this awesome Jesus who has rescued us from eternal damnation. We should desire that everyone we know learn about the saving grace and power of Jesus Christ. Instead, too many today hoard this treasure of truth and great price thinking if we share it with others somehow its value will diminish.

I wonder if the real reason for the Christian's apathy is a lack of confidence—confidence in their ability to articulate the story of salvation to a world with scales on their eyes. Perhaps we are afraid that if we don’t explain it just the right way, people won’t get it! However, this is a self-focused fear. Perhaps we are afraid of what we don’t know – the Word of God! Why aren’t we comfortable sharing it with others? Are we afraid that we will be exposed as shallow believers, unable to share the greatest story ever told with those we know—those who desperately need it. If we don’t know His word—and get excited about it—then how can we say that we know Him?

Perhaps in times past we have tripped all over ourselves when given an opportunity to share the good news and fear we will look just as foolish if we try again. Well, here are two simple steps to overcome this fear of sharing the gospel:

First, make sure you know your Bible. Take time to study the Word of God and understand the basics of salvation; the tragic story of man’s fall and the glorious story of how God, needing the perfect sacrifice for sin, took it upon himself to bear that sacrifice.

Second, stop placing too much value on what you bring to the table in sharing the gospel. Our job is to plant a seed and water it; God’s job is to give the increase. We don’t need eloquence of a great speaker—just share the good news. Always be ready to make a defense —and leave the rest to God.

If the church as a whole, made up of individual Christians, can wake up from our apathy, things can change. The church will see a real revival. God’s family will grow and we will find a renewed zeal to engage in sharing the gospel with people we know. An upsurge just might occur where the church again becomes filled with strong, committed Christians willing to make disciples of all nations.