Articles
The Challenge of Indifference
I am not sure where this goes on the scale, but to me it seems to be the heaviest weight that we face. It is our indifference. Indifference is defined as lack of interest or mediocrity. A synonym for indifference is apathy. Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Is being indifferent necessarily a bad thing? Not at all. Indifference is important in contexts where getting all riled up about nothing would be pointless or even harmful. However, in general, indifference is dangerous. If we truly don't care about anything in life, it implies we have absolutely no passion, ambition, or emotional investment. Indifference will eat our heart and soul. If we ever get to the place where we do not care, we are among the walking dead.
How can we fight against being indifferent?
First, I would suggest we need to be aware that we have become indifferent. If we are not aware that we have become indifferent or even aware of its threat, then we will not be motivated to fight against it. So first, we must be aware that indifference is at least a possibility in our hearts. Greater awareness demands greater faith and courage. It takes courage to really look at ourselves and see the danger accompanied by indifference. It takes faith and courage to change, too.
Second, I would suggest greater gratitude. To thank, we must think. If we spend time meditating on our blessings, we should be able to face the challenge of apathy. Indifference takes blessings for granted. Gratitude puts them front and center. When we see how blessed we are, how can we be indifferent toward God who has blessed us? People who are motivated by gratitude tend to be fervent.
Third, I would suggest we need greater commitment. Being enthusiastic and passionate are easier when the thing stirring us is something to which we are committed. For example, in Texas few people have to be stirred to be committed to their favorite football team. College games will easily have 100,000 plus people pack a stadium to watch and support their team. High School football is not far behind. It does not matter the kind of weather or how far the game is. Commitment to “my” team is easy. It is easy because of our enthusiasm. Enthusiasm does not mean “rah-rah.” It means being doggedly committed. Nothing else will get in the way of that commitment. Nothing will dampen the enthusiasm. Spiritually, we need that commitment. When we are enthusiastic about what God has gifted us, we will be committed to live it and share it. We will be enthused to be present when saints assemble. We will be committed to a behavior that reflects our spiritual values.
We just cannot afford to allow indifference to be part of our lives in any way. Paul will say it this way, “Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” (Rom. 12:10). “The glow of the spirit is the warmth of the soul touched by the love of Christ. It cannot exist apart from the knowledge that we have been loved that Christ gave Himself for our sins, and that we have been redeemed. Such knowledge causes us to yield in full surrender to Him as Lord of all” (Barnhouse).
Rickie Jenkins
