Church Killers - 4

Indifference

Apathy is the glove into which evil slips its hand.

-B. Thoene

Last week we examined the lack of balanced, biblical teaching as a factor in church decline. This week we will take a look at the detrimental results of an indifferent attitude towards the word of God. This is a subject that all of us should frequently consider because of our propensity to gravitate towards stagnancy. This was the concern of the Lord in Revelation chapter 3.

Revelation 3:14-16 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

They were neither cold nor hot. Have you ever found yourself at this point in your life? From time to time we all will shift into mental cruise control. There is nothing wrong with taking short breaks from the stresses and worries of life. However, problems quickly arise when these respites become prolonged, especially in the church. Let’s look closer at the church mentioned above.

Laodicea was a Roman province in Asia (modern-day Turkey) that was home to a church established early in Christian history. The province enjoyed great material prosperity because of its importance as a Roman trade route. Expensive black wool which was utilized for ornate garments was one particular product that was traded in this region during ancient times. One result of the wealth enjoyed by the citizens of Laodicea was the import of Greek art, science and literature. This led to the founding of a great medical school in the area which led to an improved quality of life. The Laodiceans enjoyed the good life. Wealth, great material possessions, and good health were commonplace in this region during the time of the Apostle John’s writing.

Apparently, these material blessings led to an indifferent attitude towards the things of God. The Bible uses the term ‘lukewarm’ to describe this church’s feelings towards the Lord and His word. Their apathy resulted in an unthankful and forgetful spirit towards the true giver of blessings, both material and spiritual.

Revelation 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

They enjoyed material wealth, but were spiritually poor. They possessed excellent health care, but their stagnancy led to wretchedness, blindness and misery. The Laodiceans enjoyed clothing of fine wool, but they were naked before the Lord. Are you beginning to get the picture of the devastating results of indifference?

How does this attitude manifest itself in the modern church? Consider the following attitudes:

• An individual begins to miss worship services because of work and other ‘important’ activities on Sunday morning. If the time is taken to meet with the saints, then they exit quickly after the final amen (sometimes before).
• The pursuit of entertainment dominates takes the place of regular prayer and Bible study in ones life.
• Weekly worship becomes merely a spot on the calendar rather than the center of all other activities.
• Godly thoughts and meditations are replaced with ideas to build more security and material wealth. Worry replaces the peace that passes all understanding.

Such attitudes are born out of an indifference to the things of God. First, we must realize that this is displeasing to the Lord. This conduct makes Him sick! The Laodicean’s apathy towards the truth of God’s word also invited severe rebuke and chastening from the Lord. We should expect nothing less for the church today. We must realize the deception of trusting in our own riches and works, or prepare to suffer the same fate. Paul warns us of the consequences of such attitudes.

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

Sadly, the Laodiceans were in the middle of this downward spiral and did not even realize it. Can the same be said about us today? God strengthen us to remember to source of our blessings and heed the advice of the Lord to His church throughout the ages.

Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

True peace, satisfaction, joy, healing and contentment can only be found in the Lord and His service. May we be ever diligent in our service to him and guard against spiritual cruise control.