The Biblical Recorder has been the news journal of North Carolina Baptists since 1833. An article in a recent issue discusses some sad and troubling news.The article dealt with concerns of Pastors. 79 % of Baptist Pastors said that a major concern of theirs was apathy, a lack of commitment, in the lives of church members. Other denominations also said that apathy was a challenging issue. Think of it, 3 out of 4 Pastors serve churches where a serious problem with apathy exists.

 

Apathy is expressed in attitudes and in action. First, comes a lack of attendance, when well able to attend. Secondly, there is a half-heartedness when actually in church. Next, comes poor tithing and giving habits. Add to the above, an unwillingness to serve in the missions and ministries of the church. It all adds up to an “I really don’t care” mentality. It is no wonder that Pastors are discouraged and that many are leaving the ministry. It is also not a shock that churches are dying all over the nation. [INTERESTING SIDE NOTE–The article also comments that churches with less than 50 attending are much more resistant to change than larger churches. Perhaps this is why those churches stay small and eventually die.]

 

HOW CAN WE BE APATHETIC

….When Jesus has forgiven our sins, saved us, turned our deadness into life, and has given us an eternal hope and home? [Ephesians 2 : 1 ff ]

….When family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, and people all over the globe are dying and going to Hell every minute? At the next family reunion, or high school class reunion, look around. Realize that some of those you see at that reunion will not be present at Heaven’s reunion.

….When the signs of the times indicate that Bible prophecy is quickly being fulfilled and that Jesus could return in the next few years? Will we be idle, or busy about the Master’s business when He comes?

….When Jesus was not happy with the church in Ephesus which “had left its first love”. [Revelation 2 :4]

….When Jesus said that He  “would spue out of His mouth the church at Laodicea because they were lukewarm”. [Revelation 3 :16]

 

Oh my friends, if Jesus was not happy with those churches in Bible days when they were filled with apathy, do we think He is happy with apathy in our churches today? Where is the passion, the commitment to reap the “fields white unto harvest”, and where is the fervor to honor, worship, glorify, and serve Jesus?

 

Where does Barbee’s Grove rank? Are we apathetic, or “on fire” for Jesus?

 

My challenge to myself and to you, is the same one that Joshua [24 :15] issued to Israel so long ago:

“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom you will serve: whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell:BUT AS FOR ME AND MY HOUSE WE WILL SERVE THE LORD””.

 

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

 

Let us all “be on fire” for Jesus

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church