Passage of the Day:
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites,[b] the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so. 4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen[c] away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned, Hebrews 6:1-8.
Reflection:
The presence of apathy is visible when individuals lack interest, enthusiasm, or concern about their current spiritual condition. In the film A League of Their Own, Tom Hanks and Gina Davis are having an animated conversation when Davis’ character, Dottie Hinson, informs her manager that she is leaving the team. Dottie confesses that baseball got too hard. Manager Jimmy Dugan replies,”It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t, everyone would play.” The same could be said about demonstrating Christian behavior. The apostle Paul lists fruits of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. However, to make this a reality by living out these traits requires discipline, effort and focus. This is how Christians can avoid apathy.
Prayerful Action:
If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God, Hebrews 10:26-27.
Building Up Bible Believing Behavior:
The apostle Paul makes an interesting comment in the letter to the Church at Philippi. “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Philippians 2:12.” These words provide a sense of urgency which speaks to Christians who limit their faith to just Sunday. Don’t just worship the Lord at church or in the presence of other believers. Rather, the way you avoid apathy is by continuing to work out your salvation 7 days a week at home, in your neighborhood and at work.
Song of the Day:
While today’s song is often used to help women with self-image problems, one of the ways I confront apathy in my own life is taking time to reflect upon a spiritual mirror, the Bible. The more I read the Bible, I am inspired to push through apathetic thoughts by drawing closer to the Lord. May today’s devotion encourage you to break free from apathy.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 