Tag Archives: attentiveness

Overcoming an I Don’t Care Anymore Attitude

Care refers to the provisions of that what is necessary.  Synonyms include alertness, attentiveness, cautious, guidance, management, protection, safe keeping and watchfulness.  As I reflect upon my early days as a father, I recall hearing the word “no” often.  This expression reveals human nature at work within the lives of children.  Before infants learn the English language, no is code for I don’t want or I don’t care.

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others, Philippians 2:4.

In 1974, Harry Chapin collaborated with his wife Sandy to compose the song Cat’s in the Cradle.  The lyrics of this classic convey a sad but true story about extreme dedication to work and its negative impact on a family.  Those who are workaholics place a higher priority on their career, leaving little or no time at home.  Spouses left at home with the kids regularly will likely begin think their significant other does not care anymore.

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you, Ephesians 4:32.

Those who develop an I don’t care anymore attitude often become jaded.  This process occurs gradually as disappointment erodes hope.  If negative conditions persist, optimism will be replaced by sarcasm, expecting bad things to continue.  Thus, if you sense this mentality beginning to take over, the apostle Paul provides useful advice in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  To break free from the temptation to not care anymore, you need to take spiritual measures to protect your mind.  Only when you begin to take your thoughts captive by making them obedient to Christ can you overcome an I don’t care anymore attitude.

by Jay Mankus

 

The Power of Diligence

A couple of weeks ago, I listened to a talk show about the impact mojies and texting is having on the English language.  Initially, I was unfazed, not seeing the connection between the two.  However, the more I think about it, social outlets like Instagram and Twitter are enabling slang to steal the power of words.

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized, Hebrews 6:11.

Subsequently, dynamic vocabulary is fading away, becoming extinct like dinosaurs of the past.  One of these terms is diligence, referring to an attentiveness, motivated by vigor to carry something to completion.  This trait once made the United States a great nation, igniting the Industrial Revolution.  Yet for now, those who possess this quality is limited.

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised, Hebrews 6:12.

According to the author of Hebrews, those who lack diligence tend to fall prey to laziness.  The solution to this potential snag is to imitate the faith of Israel, willing to wait up to 400 years before finally possessing God’s promised land.  When diligence is exhibited in the hearts and minds of individuals, God’s promises don’t feel so far away.  Yet, when doubt causes God’s people to lose hope, the fruits of diligence disappear.  Therefore, the next time an urge to walk away from your dreams arises, fight back with the power of diligence.

by Jay Mankus