Apathy, A Moral Cancer

Chuckle: Sign on plumber's truck: "We repair what your husband fixed!"

Quote: "Science may have found a cure for most evils, but is has found no remedy for the worst of them all -- the apathy of human beings." --Helen Keller

APATHY, A MORAL AND SPIRITUAL CANCER

 "Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned (apathetic); they did not help the poor and needy. They were haughty and did detestable things before me. Therefore I did away with (destroyed) them as you have seen"(Ezekiel 16:49-50 NIV).

Someone was asked if he knew the difference between ignorance and apathy. His reply: "I don't know and I don't care." I'm afraid this describes the attitude of many of us both spiritually and socially. The Dictionary defines apathy as "A lack of interest or concern; indifference. (Public apathy resulted in a light voter turnout)."

When elections come around, a large segment of the adult population will not care enough to even cast a ballot. But sadly, many of those same apathetic Americans will gripe and complain if people they don't like are voted into office and make political decisions contrary to their values. I pray you are neither disinterested nor unconcerned when it comes to exercising your constitutional right and precious freedom to make your voice heard at the ballot box. Regardless of your political party affiliation, please care enough to cast your all important vote for those candidates who best exemplify the moral and spiritual standards set forth in God's Word. Your vote could make the difference in a close election.

Sadly, apathy is not limited to the political process -- it is also alive and well in the spiritual realm among many who call themselves Christians. It is God's will that His people be actively involved in evangelizing and ministering to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of people. Being apathetic about the things of God is disgusting to Him. He is not interested in our offerings, ceremonies and celebrations if we are apathetic about the plight of those around us.

God said, "Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, plead the case of the widow" (Isaiah 1:17 NIV). "I hate, I despise your religious feasts; I cannot stand your assemblies . . . Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos 5:21, 23-24 NIV).

Jesus is concerned about the apathy of His followers as workers in His harvest fields. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send workers into his harvest field" (Matthew 9:36-38 NIV).

Let's pray. Lord, please rearrange my heart, mind, and will to make me intolerant of the sin of apathy both in my relationship with you and in carrying out my civic and social responsibilities. In Jesus' name, Amen.

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse