One thing that holds followers of Christ from being fully devoted followers is apathy. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines apathy as “impassiveness.” Indeed, apathy causes us to become passive, causing us to stay put where we are without taking action. Apathy is particularly dangerous for followers of Christ. It keeps us from actively pursuing our relationships with Christ and from sharing our faith with the people around us. If we want to have growing, thriving relationships with Christ, we have to step out of apathy and actively pursue Him.
Jesus warned His disciples against apathy in Luke 21. Knowing His death was imminent, Jesus took time to teach His disciples about what was to come. He told them what to expect in the future. He foretold signs that would signify His return to earth to bring His people to Himself. After teaching about these signs, Jesus said to them, "Watch out! Don't let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness and by the worries of this life. Don't let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth" (verses 34-35). Jesus warned His disciples not to become apathetic. After all, Jesus is really going to return one day, and what truly matters is how we live for Him. We need to live every day with the end in mind, when Jesus returns, makes everything right, and brings every one of His followers to Himself. There is no time to waste.
It is time for each one of us to let go of apathy. It is time that we take seriously the truths of Scripture. It is time that we actively pursue Christ and His kingdom because they will never fade away. We heard in the weekend sermon that Jesus told His disciples about the future so that they would not give in to apathy after He returned to Heaven. He wanted them to take seriously the spiritual battles taking place, knowing that one day, in the end, He will return. Because of the reality of future events, we need to live differently today. There is no time for apathy when we are living for Christ and His kingdom.
One of the ways that we can let go of apathy is to attend church on the weekend. As you come to church and worship Christ, you are reminding yourself of what truly matters in life. Be sure to join us for one of our weekend services to focus your heart and mind on Christ. Bring a friend with you! Your invitation may have a greater impact than you could ever imagine!
29 Then he gave them this illustration: “Notice the fig tree, or any other tree. 30 When the leaves come out, you know without being told that summer is near. 31 In the same way, when you see all these things taking place, you can know that the Kingdom of God is near. 32 I tell you the truth, this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things have taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.
34 “Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, 35 like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. 36 Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.”
37 Every day Jesus went to the Temple to teach, and each evening he returned to spend the night on the Mount of Olives. 38 The crowds gathered at the Temple early each morning to hear him.
