Beech Tree News Network

A few weeks ago, we spoke about some wrong attitudes that God answered in the Bible. The wrong attitudes we studied then was pride, covetousness, and self-sufficiency. The Bible shows us some folks who had wrong attitudes, and as a result, sinned. In this article, we will study about apathy. What does God say about that subject? What does God expect of us?

To show apathy is to show little or no interest or concern for a person or thing. It does not mean a person has no interests at all. Instead, when a person shows little or no interest in a particular area of life, he is apathetic in that area. For example, one may be very interested in his family but may not care at all about sports or politics. This person is showing apathy in that area of life. Another person may be very interested in sports or old cars but shows little or no interest in his neighbors. This person is apathetic in that area of life. He has no feeling, or interest, in others.

In like manner, there are many who have considerable interests in worldly pursuits and yet show apathy toward the Lord and His church. They are so caught up in worldly pursuits that they have no interest or concern for the things that are most important – spiritual matters (Matt. 16:26). This is not healthy.

There are many apathetic people mentioned in the Bible. Consider the fact that Paul had to remind those “rich in this world” that they had a responsibility to the Lord and His cause (I Tim. 6:17-19). If they were not careful, they would only show their interest in material pursuits and show no interest in the Lord. 

Another who was apathetic was Agrippa. When faced with the greatest decision one can make in this life, he refused, telling Paul, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian” (Acts 26:28). Agrippa was very aware of the doctrine of Christ (v. 26) but had no interest or concern in it, nor his soul. In fact, there are many today that show that their interests lie in other things besides the gospel. When people around us show apathy toward the Lord and His church, may we not follow that example, but remember that we need to watch ourselves lest we also become apathetic (I Cor. 10:12, 15:33).

 As always, we need to examine ourselves as we study this and any other Bible subject (II Cor. 13:5). Let us make sure we are not guilty of these wrong attitudes, for they will develop into wrong actions! In some, it is already apparent what attitude they have. Let us do our best to live by the Bible, follow its precepts, and love the Author. If we are guilty of harboring any of the attitudes we have studied, then let us repent and turn from those things while we have the time to do so (Heb. 3:7-8). May God help us all to have the right attitude, live for Him, and look forward to Heaven when this life is over.

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167