“Apathy is a bigger problem than atheism for Christianity.” Timothy Keller
What do you think?
—Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
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—Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
—Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
—Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
—Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
Consider the lilies of the field… Matt 6:28
—Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
thedailylily.com 
I think Mr. Keller is right. One definition of apathy is indifference; lack of concern. What Mr. Keller said reminds me of Rev.3:15,16: “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! “
I read a devotion by the late Dr. Graham a couple of weeks ago regarding the sin of omission. It seems related to apathy to me. One thing he said about it was, “In the account of the last judgement the people were not asked questions of theology. As important as doctrine is, they were not asked about their doctrinal beliefs. Neither were they asked what sins they had committed. They neglected to do good, and their sin was enough to send them into everlasting punishment. There must be a practical outworking of our faith here in this present world, or it will never endure in the world to come.”
So often these days my answers for so many questions I ponder for answers are found in hymns. May be because I grew up hearing them like water running from a fresh spring. They have been chronically filed in my soul and the Holy Spirit answers the call when I need a soul book to connect. Maybe all the above and more.
As I pondered for a few days on what do I think about Keller’s thoughts I was greatly perplexed. Then I focused on the rainbow and its symbolic meaning and prayed, ” I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6 (NIV)
I heard from the Holy Spirit the words of a great song from great singers and writers. I placed myself in the church of “apathy” wanting to change apathy in truth to passion of truth. I hear clearly….How then Shall I Live?
“I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven.
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child and I am not afraid.
So, greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother;
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion.
I’ve been so loved, that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.
Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me.
Your Hallowed Name, O may I bear with honor,
And may Your living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.
Amen, Amen, Amen”
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: David Phelps / Dp / Gloria L Gaither
Your words above and this hymn, Sara, sure speaks volumes to consider. Thank you for sharing them.
“Apathy is a bigger problem than atheism for Christianity.” Timothy Keller” “What do you think?” There probably isn’t a more true statement, then this? Recently, I have been watching “Little House on the Prairie” reruns. After reading this blog, I could not help but think of the rerun I recently saw. There was an older gentleman, in the town, whom basically secluded himself from society, because of mourning the loss of his wife. ( for years) He was labeled a “maniac” because of his seclusion and appearance. People feared him and stayed away from him. Laura Ingalls, with the prompting and teasing of Nellie Olson and two others, became brave enough to approach this man. Laura began to develop a relationship/ friendship with him and invited him to church. I just thought it was a good example of Christianity without apathy? What would have happened to this older gentleman or others in our lives today, if Christians don’t reach out to them?🙏
I loved “Little House on the Prairie”. A great story with illustration.
Thinking on the action taken in story it seems the fruit of the Spirit was shown in whole. WOW kindness dangling in heavenly gold.
I agree with Debi and Tammy. Very true statement. Today while doing devotionals I read this in Streams in the Dessert. “God has a perfect plan to make us a movement. There is a difference between a movement and a monument. A movement is something that is always active. ( Is that not spreading the gospel or it should be.) A monument is something that is erected on a corner and neither speaks nor moves but there is a tremendous lot of humbug and nonsense to get it in place. It is silent and does nothing. A movement is where God comes into the very person, making him active for God. (Not apathetic , no movement. ) He is God’s mouthpiece, God’s eyes, and God’s hands. God will “sanctify you completely” 1 Thess. 5: 23) where do we find ourselves. Atheist are a movement against God. Whose voice is louder in the world today. Let’s move church!!!
Streams in the Dessert seems to never fail to encourage. Oh my imagine a Holy God looking from His Throne and seeing us as a monument. It’s like we want Him to worship us for our lovely stone beauty. And, so proud of ourselves that a few people pause to look upon our purpose for their own use. But, if you mention Jesus, or a friend or other that knows Jesus they berate you so you become mute again so you can be reveared in their eyes.
This monument vs movement sure gives a horse kick into apathy.
As I was thinking on “Littke House on the Prairie”, Streams in The Dessert”, and Dr Graham’s Devotion while adding my “Todays Reflections” I think we see a common thread running thru each example of apathy. Don’t you think it gives us answers how we overcome?
“As the only Black student in my high school graduating class, I was accustomed to occasional snubs. Thus, at a recent class reunion, some who shunned me in high school did the same. Was it because of race? Why were they still not bothering to say hello? I wasn’t sure. Yet I insisted on going. . . .
I reminisced and reconnected with many old friends. To my surprise, I also made new friends. One varsity football player came over to talk to me about race, of all things. We’d never exchanged two words in high school, but he asked my opinion on how racial healing happens.
Listening to him, I marveled at how social taboos and racial awkwardness had blocked our friendship as teens. Then I considered that, in the 60s, my classmates and I had struggled to integrate a society while watching friends go to Vietnam and come home in body bags, our world still torn. . . . On the drive home, I confessed to my husband an unexpected epiphany. “God kept me.” Despite the racism and more, “God sustained me.” Indeed, God sustains us all.”
—Patricia Raybon, “Summer Epiphanies,
“I think we see a common thread running thru each example of apathy. Don’t you think it gives us answers how we overcome?”
Yes, I think it shows different ways the fruit of the Spirit is displayed in action.
Seems to me those who are apathetic have lost their first love Jesus. So how do you get people to get back the fire of His love, the Pentecost fire. Jesus sent us a helper the Holy Spirit. We need a revival in our hearts. Let those who have decided to be monuments now are do nothing to serve Jesus by prayer and supplication confess their lack of joy in Jesus and pray:
Oh Holy Spirit steer up the Holy Fire in me, renew me every morning by taking a Holy Spirit shower before we begin our day. We are never too old for God to send the fire. Move so one can see me as one the exciting movement of Jesus Christ. s
Song
chorus-: I’m in the movement for my Lord,(sing twice) Never again will I get tired of serving Him. Remember. He is always serving us. (Chorus)Catch the fire and an let the monument burn to the ground and from the ashes arise and cause a Holy Ghost fire movement spread throughout the land!. (Chorus)
Revival, revival come and let it start with me!
(Chorus)
Revelation 2:4 speaks to a few steps to take if you have lost your first love. First, we need to recognize how far we have fallen. 2) Repent and 3) Return to our duties being….
Rev 2: 1,2,3 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2) I know your deeds, your labor, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate those who are evil, and you have tested and exposed as liars those who falsely claim to be apostles. 3) Without growing weary, you have persevered and endured many things for the sake of My name.”
2:4 “Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you.”
I’m reading….apathy is like church works as long as we chant, “everybody is doing it.” Tolerate the behavior because I’m so good my going along for the ride of nice just might change them.” “I just love false and lies away.”
Well the end seems endless when we look in the pit and see the many things churches approve. But, if we go along, deny, turn our heads and gag but tolerate evil plus plus our happy song and dance of modern tunes and dress code of casual and all inclusive might not give evil notice that you have lost your sway over our church we are going to proclaim truth of the word by speaking and living.
So, item 1 is a Jericho wall experience get the reason/diagnoses for the treatment before we jump. I just finished the Chapter in full and the rewards are worth the read.