I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.
– Revelation 3:15-16
There is an epidemic that is infecting Americans. It is not viral or biologic in origin, but rather spiritual. I’m not sure how long ago it started, however we can see how it has intensified with every new generation. Though this plague is not organic, the effect does have a physical and as well as an emotional consequence on everyone affected.
The affliction that is shaping our culture in an adverse way is apathy. It is a lackadaisical attitude that attempts to lull one into a sense of complacency. It covertly masquerades under the guise of busyness, schedules, routine and simply going through the motions. These seemingly innocent effects that are too often justified as normal have a nefarious intent. The goal here is to distract while simultaneously sucking joy, hope and creativity out of us.
We can define this scourge like this, lacking genuine enthusiasm and determination. It is a careless attitude driven by laziness. Unlike many infections, this one is sneaky. We can carry it for years, even decades without diagnosing the root issue. It is a gradual decline and before we know it, the impact is affecting not only us but our families, our jobs, our relationships and even our churches.
Unlike many viral or bacterial infections that can take many rounds of treatment to cure, with lasting side effects, the cure for this epidemic is one that doesn’t simply get us through our sickness. It actually makes us much stronger. The opposite of apathy is interest, passion, concern and warmth. All attributes that are the side effects of the Blood and Spirit that cures us from a life of indifference.
Paul in his letter to the Colossians has some great advice on getting healthy and staying healthy. It is found in chapter 3, verse 2…
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.
This verse has to be read within the context of chapter 2, which talks about our identity in Christ and how we have become alive in Christ, therefore we are to be rooted in Him, walking with Him everyday. If we are truly and authentically rooted and walking with Christ as led by the Holy Spirit, then His attributes and fruit are a blessing to us supplying and equipping us with His focus, compassion and hope.
These are all anti-apithetic supplements that we need to be ingesting every day. And that’s the kicker. We have to actually and willfully be taking in the cure everyday to keep the epidemic at bay in our life and in our churches.
It is here, when we become healthy and strong in our faith through a reliance upon Christ that we are now able to be about our Father’s business. And it’s like no other business. It is the business of faith, hope and life. It is working with the Holy Spirit to introduce and further the Kingdom into those dark places and hopeless people. It will provide you with the most satisfaction of anything here on planet Earth. To live in the potential that the Lord has gifted us with is a place that has no room for apathy.
So if not now, when?
Jason Metz, Lead Pastor
