When I was a teenager, I was reading through a BC Comic book. In one particular strip, Peter and Curls were discussing an upcoming election. There discussion then sums up how many of us feel 30-40 years later. Peter asked Curls if he was voting for the Apathy Party or the Lethargic Party. Curls replied, “I don’t know, I just don’t see any difference any more.”

Apathy is a real issue not only in politics, work, or school, but apathy invades the church as well. An attitude of apathy can destroy efforts to do what needs to be and should be done. The wise man recorded, “Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys,” Prov 18:9. Apathy reveals itself in our lives and actions.

I thought I would share a list of symptoms of apathy/lethargy. If you see more than one in your life, take time to pray and to refocus.

Symptoms of Apathy Toward the Work of God and Christ:

Irregular Attendance.

If I struggle to be motivated to attend worship and other church events, my actions suggest I do not care.

Lack of Participation When I am Present.

I will come to worship, but not to Bible Classes. I am here, but I will not participate in class discussions. I am here, but I will not open my mouth to sing praises. I am here, but . . . Well you get the picture.

Consistently Arriving Late.

Tardiness indicates that an event (church in our discussion) shows a lack of concern. If I am truly excited about an event, I will arrive on time – if not early.

Waning Effort to Teach the Lost.

This may be one of the early indicators of apathy. If I do not care about others or about the cause of Christ, I will not share the message.

Few (if any) Private Devotionals or Personal Studies.

This is the first cause of alarm. If I am not spending time growing in my relationship with God, my lack of effort communicates that I no longer care about being with God.

Just somethings to think about.

-Scott