"It may well be that we will have to repent in this generation. Not merely for the vitriolic words and the violent actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence and indifference of the good people who sit around and say, 'Wait on time.' " - Martin Luther King, Jr.
"You can't be neutral on a moving train." - Howard Zinn
About a year ago, I posted the following on Facebook concerning "indifference" -
"'Indifference' - at any time - is wicked!
'Indifference' - at any time - especially for the Church - is wicked!
Allow me to define 'indifference' for you - little or no concern, mediocrity
Here are some synonyms to help you out -
apathy
lethargy
negligence
neutrality
nonchalance
Now, with what is all going on in the world right now (or even in America), as a saint of God, you have 'no option!'
You cannot be indifferent!
Or you will be counted among the wicked by God!
Jesus said He would rather that you be hot or cold but not lukewarm.
Sorry! The days are over for fence sitting!
Like never before - it's time to take a stand! It's time to let your voice be heard!"
(end of facebook update)
But, how would you define "indifference" toward God?
Plain and simple - it is having a neutral attitude toward Him. It is a rejection of His love. Actually, it is the reward for being lukewarm.
How is it manifested?
1) "Indifference" toward God is manifested when there is no desire to seek Him - to become acquainted with His character and know and do His will.
Romans 3:11 says - "There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
2) "Indifference" toward God is manifested when the people take no pains to get any knowledge of Him - His mind and will - due to carelessness and unconcern. These people render a listless heartless service to Him.
Zephaniah 1:6 says - "And them that are turned back from the LORD; and those that have not sought the LORD, nor enquired for Him."
3) "Indifference" toward God is manifested when there is a refusal to heed His Word.
Jeremiah 37:2 says -"But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people of the land, did hearken unto the words of the LORD, which He spake by the prophet Jeremiah."
4) "Indifference" toward God is manifested when there is a refusal to profit or benefit from past miracles...divine interventions in days of calamity...or proofs of God's divine mission.
Isaiah 42:20 says -"Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not."
5) "Indifference" toward God is manifested when the people are willingly blind and ignorant - notwithstanding they have the means of light and knowledge - the written word, the prophet, and providence.
Jeremiah 5:21 says -"Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not."
In sharp contrast to this, Jesus implied in Matthew 11:12 that Christianity demands our best power when He said - "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." He was implying that the promises of God are to those who overcome.
There is one thing and one thing alone that will replace "indifference" and that is earnestness. And what demands earnestness is our actual dangers and needs.
Like never before, God is calling His Church to a "violent" earnestness. He is calling His Church to be men and women of "violence" - spiritually speaking. He is calling them to be men and women whose minds are made up and care not what force and power they employ to attain their object.
In this verse of Scripture, Jesus is issuing a broadside against all complacency and half-heartedness in the believer.
We are living in a day where not much "rattles people's chains." We are living in a day where there should be "outrage" and there is none!
Most have the attitude - "Ah...whatever."
They have settled for "middle of the road" Christianity...the "second-gear momentum"... running on low octane - spiritually speaking - with absolutely no desire to fill up on super.
Many are not too eager to get off the fence.
Their entire attitude is depicted in these words - "Let's not get too worked up here! Ah...it can wait! It really doesn't matter anyway."
But, Jesus said -"...the violent take it by force..."
He was alluding to the manner in which cities were taken. The besiegers pressed upon them with violence and demolished the walls. This is how He would have His followers storm the kingdom of darkness in their homes, neighborhoods, cities, and nation.
The Vincent's Word Studies said - "Good things are hard." They are not promised to the easy achievers.
Can you sense the challenge?
Read what Ken Gehrels said on this topic - "Jesus Christ is not indifferent to you and me. His love for us is fiery, jealous and hugely passionate...In His holy passion, Jesus desires believers with a holy burning passion for Him..."
We, at Walking In Truth Ministry, have "no room" for "indifference."
We hear Jesus' call for "passion" and "earnestness" in seeking after Him and in doing His work.
Time is late! What we do, we must do quickly - while it is still "day." The "night" comes when no man will be able to work. (John 9:4)
Will you help us with your financial gift?
At this time of celebrating Thanksgiving, when all are giving God thanks for His bountiful blessings, we are asking you to consider Walking In Truth Ministry in your giving.
Consider over the past year all of the podcasts and written messages that came to you week after week and spoke to your heart...stirred your soul ...and brought tremendous growth to your spiritual life.
As we have been a blessing to you, will you now consider being a blessing to us with your financial gift?
To all those who faithfully support us every month with your financial gift, we want to say -"Thank You" - from the bottom of our hearts. We could never have accomplished all that we are doing without your help! May the Lord reward you richly in this life and in the life to come! We know that He will!
At this time, if you would like to be a blessing to this ministry, you can make your check out to - Walking In Truth Ministry - and mail it to the following address -
Walking In Truth Ministry
P.O. Box 383016
Duncanville, TX 75138-3016
Or, if you prefer to use Paypal, you can send your financial gift to - [email protected]
You can also send a Money gram - if that means of exchange will work better for you.
We are a nonprofit organization with a tax exemption status.
Thank you ahead of time for your gracious gift,
Connie
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. (Isaiah 54:17)
© COPYRIGHT Connie Giordano - All Rights Reserved