Apathy is an epidemic of the soul and one of the greatest targets against Christians today. It’s almost impossible to notice until you’re in the pits of it. But since you’re here, I’ll assume that you’ve already been there, at the lowest of lows or just not caring about your relationship with God.
I get it. But we can’t stay there. We need a way out.
1. Knock on the Door
When apathy causes us to question our faith, it’s time for us to ask apathy some questions of our own. Like why we think our relationship with Christ doesn’t matter. Why we’re running to things that are against what God wants (Psalm 37:27).
Is it passion that eventually waned because we stopped chasing? Is it the effects of a pet sin? Is it giving in to the shame taunting our attempts at a relationship with the Father?
Identify the root cause of your apathy, and you’ll be able to fire at the real culprit.
2. Pray
As cliche as it sounds, prayer is one of the most powerful weapons we have against spiritual battles such as apathy.
Prayer is a conversation and helps us know God personally, instead of knowing about Him. Even if I know someone is left-handed, exactly five feet tall, and has a dog named Avalanche, there’s no connection unless I talk to that person and get to know them, their quirks, their strengths, and their opinions. The same thing is with God—if all we’re doing is learning about God but never talking with Him, do we know Him? There is no connection between us.
The dull, lifeless prayers we sometimes mutter when we’re in need or the day is going well won’t cut it. This is, after all, a battle. And you don’t get anywhere with a half-hearted aim.
3. Read the Bible
I know, I know, another cliche. But guess what? Reading the Bible is life-giving. When you’re in a season of apathy, read your favorite Bible passages, visit the Psalms or the Gospels, or start in Genesis with the creation account. Don’t just read the verses. Study them. You aren’t here to mindlessly sightsee but to fight back.
4. Rest
Often, the burdens of life carry us into apathy.
Consider taking scheduled rest, such as a sabbath. Use these days to focus on God with prayer, Bible reading, or Bible study. On Sabbath days, stay away from things that bring in money, esteem, or pride. Instead, dedicate the day to resting in God, finding joy, and serving others (Matthew 12:9–14).
5. Reach out to a Christian Friend
Have you noticed your apathy stemming from something personal prayer, Bible study, or rest hasn’t healed? Or maybe you don’t even know what caused it. Share your struggles with a friend to get wise advice.
Participate in a community of strong believers who have been where you’re at and will remind you to stay strong in your faith. Some days it might feel like you’re alone—but you’re not (Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:20).
6. Worship
It’s hard to praise when you don’t see anything to praise God for. But find something to be thankful for and praise Him for it. He loves to hear the sound of your voice.
Listen to worship music. When apathy holds you in a vise, music can loosen its hold. Pay extra attention to the lyrics.
7. Remind Yourself of God’s Providence
God hurt you, didn’t He? He pushed you away and ignored your wants. He said no to your requests.
So we give Him the silent treatment. We ask why we should go to Him if He won’t be there for us.
Believe me, I know what this can feel like. But rest in the assurances of God and His power (Psalm 111:2, 2 Corinthians 3:5, Psalm 78:12–16). We didn’t speak the stars into existence or hang them in that dark void we call the universe. He created us for a purpose. That purpose? To glorify Him. Not us. Never us.
8. Give Yourself Grace
If the apathy came about because you were doing too much rather than just being, then remind yourself that your works are not the goal.
Helping the poor is different than loving the poor. Being patient is different than doing things that make you look patient. That’s the same with kindness, goodness, faithfulness…and every other part of the Fruit of the Spirit.
It’s easy to get caught up doing things that make us look, feel, and act “Christian”, but these things don’t make us any more of a Christ-follower than anyone else saved by grace.
When apathy gets ahold of you, tell. It. No.
Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.
Push back the stifling beliefs. Ground yourself in the truths of the Scriptures. Grow in your connection with God through prayer. Lean into the Christian community. Give yourself grace and see that your sin or your lack of commitment doesn’t define you. Is God convicting your heart of its apathy? Good. He hasn’t let you go and is calling you back to Himself.
This is your invitation to run back to Him.
0 Comments