A Dangerous Condition!

Imagine being unable to feel physically. We would touch something hot and not knowing it, would end up being burned. We could be poked and not know it until we realized we were bleeding. The inability to feel could put our very life at risk. Our inability to feel emotionally (to feel with and for others) or to even be sensitive to what is wrong in our own life spiritually can put us at even greater risk eternally. That is the real danger of apathy.

Apathy is defined as a lack of enthusiasm or energy and also emotional emptiness. The Greek background of our English word is "apathes" meaning "without feeling". Though the word may not be used in the Greek New Testament, the subject is certainly there.

Someone by the name of William Schlamm has offered the following as an epitaph for our society: "This civilization died because it didn't want to be bothered." Have we seen such apathy? Should we not rather be bothered when no action is taken on behalf of others? Was that perhaps part of the contrast between the priest and Levite and that of the Samaritan in Jesus' parable? ( Luke 10:30-35) Certainly the care the Samaritan provided was not convenient. However, he CARED enough to provide it anyway. How many times have situations arisen where we had the opportunity to serve and at least felt a twinge of not wanting to be bothered? Apathy is a pathetic path to take in life! It is often a symptom that the focus has become too self-centered. When that happens we can cease to CARE.

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he described such self-centeredness where we read. . .
"(1) But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. (2) For people will be LOVERS OF SELF, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, (3) HEARTLESS, unappeasable, slanderous, WITHOUT SELF-CONTROL, brutal, NOT LOVING GOOD, (4) treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, (5) having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people." ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)

Does that sound even close to a description of people who CARE about others? Where is our focus? What marks our sensitivity to what is going on around us? Can we be bothered? Do we genuinely CARE enough to respond to other's needs? Are we willing to be "a neighbor" ( Luke 10:36) when the opportunities arise? As children of God may those around us come to know us as people who do GENUINELY CARE. When such truly marks the character of our heart, the service provided will not be a bother.

Have a great day BEING THE NEIGHBOR JESUS CALLED US TO BE!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Caring