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The Challenge of Indifference

Been there. Done that. Whatever.

Introduction

  1. How do you normally respond when you’re repeatedly disappointed? Eventually, you become indifferent. You say to yourself, “I won’t expect anything anymore from anybody.” Or, “I will just take care of myself.”
  2. The Bible has a word for this. It’s called “GREED.” (or Avarice) Greed is not just about money (treasures). It’s also about time (or energy) and talents. In other words, you start hoarding (or use only for yourself) your time, talents, and treasures.
  3. This is a subtle sin that few of us can recognize or admit. It’s often hidden behind “good” words (e.g., being careful, wise, etc.). It’s often a deception because we do not name it “greed.”
  4. Of course, it’s a matter of the heart. In our hearts, we think, “I owe myself “this” and no one can take it away from me.” So we become indifferent to others in order to focus only on our wants, desires, and needs.
  5. How do we overcome this challenge? First Timothy 6:6-19 teaches us THREE CHOICES.

THREE CHOICES

  1. Choose to be content.
    6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

    When we are tempted to be indifferent (i.e. greedy), we can choose instead to be content. We can choose to depend on the Lord for all our needs so that we will not be frustrated. Being content means we can be satisfied with what we have, no matter how little it might be, knowing that the Lord will provide for all our needs. At the root of greed (or indifference) is the fear that our needs may not be met.

  2. Choose to be faithful.
    11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

    We become indifferent because no one seems to care about us. So, we stop caring for the needs of others. But the Lord knows us and sees us. He values us. He wants us to do things for His glory. Like Jesus, we continue to serve, expecting nothing in return, knowing that our reward will come from the Lord, not from people. So, we persevere in serving others regardless of the results.

  3. Choose to be generous.
    17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

    We can choose to be indifferent, and suffer the consequences. Or, we can choose to be generous, and so experience the life that Jesus promised us. The opposite of “love” is not “hate” but indifference. The opposite of indifference is generosity. When we give, without expecting anything in return, we are blessed.

Conclusion

  1. “To overcome indifference, choose to make a difference.”
  2. Repeated disappointments can tempt us to become indifferent. We can close our hearts to others, and that’s what most people do. But we can choose to make a difference.
  3. Today, don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t be selfish just because others are selfish. Choose to be content, to be faithful, and to be generous regardless of what others do.

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