Apathy, the Greatest Enemy: Part 1

Within the church, our country and even our own family, many enemies attack the good that we seek to accomplish. But the greatest enemy of all is apathy.

How can any church be successful inpreaching the gospel if its members are unconcerned about the lost? How can any country thrive for very long and deal justly with its citizens if the people don't care enough to find out what is going on and do their part to help elect the right persons to positions of leadership? How can a husband and wife remain true to each other and set the example of a happy home--raising children in a godly way--if they are afflicted with apathy?

Unfortunately, in each of the areas noted above, many among us are lacking in action or performance. This lack is generally due to apathy.

Dr. Gould, president of Charleston College, said, "I do not believe the greatest threat to our future is from bombs or guided missiles. I don't think our civilization will end that way. I think it will die when we no longer care."

William Sehlamn held the same view. He noted that the epitaph of our society should read, "This civilization died because it didn't want to be bothered."

Edmund Burke (1795) said much the same thing. He stated, "Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference, which is, at least, half infidelity."

The apostle John wrote, "But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (I John 3:17). (See also James 2:14-16.)

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 getting things accomplished for the Lord. God viewed them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked.

Overcome apathy by resolving to love the Lord (Matt. 22:37). Put him above family (Matt. 10:37), material gain (Matt. 19:16-22), and self (Matt. 16:24). Express your love in action (John14:15), after making the decision to work hard for the Lord (I Cor. 15:58; Eph. 2:10; Rom. 7:4).

A good place to begin is through diligent and regular study of the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15). Paul spoke of his Jewish brethren as being zealous for God but not according to knowledge (Rom. 10:2). The wise will look first to God’s word and ascertain his will for their lives and then act upon what they learn.

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