In the journey of faith, one of the greatest challenges we face is not the blatant attacks on our beliefs, but rather the subtle erosion of our passion and hunger for God. This gradual decline, known as apathy, can be likened to what the Puritans described as the deadening effects of innocent delights. As John Piper aptly puts it, “The enemy of our longing for God is not poison, but rather the allure of earthly pleasures.” There is a grave danger of apathy, but with God’s grace, we can guard our hearts against its grip.
The Danger of Apathy
Apathy is a sneaky adversary that seeks to lull us into a state of indifference towards our relationship with God. It is not always dramatic or overt; instead, it often disguises itself as harmless distractions or worldly pursuits. The allure of material possessions, success, relationships, and even seemingly innocent entertainment can slowly replace our appetite for God. Satan’s strategy is not to directly attack our faith, but rather to lead us into a state of complacency where we no longer hunger for the things of God.
The Subtle Idols of Apathy
Susanna Wesley wisely stated, “whatever weakens your reasoning impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God or takes away your relish for spiritual things… becomes sin, however good it is in itself.” This highlights the danger of allowing even good things to take precedence over our relationship with God. The pursuit of success, the accumulation of wealth, and the desire for earthly pleasures can become idols that gradually replace our hunger for God.
“The greatest enemy of hunger for God is not poison but apple pie. It is not the banquet of the wicked that dulls our appetite for heaven, but endless nibbling at the table of the world. It is not the X-rated video, but the prime-time dribble of triviality we drink in every night. For all the ill that Satan can do, when God describes what keeps us from the banquet table of his love, it is a piece of land, a yoke of oxen, and a wife (Luke 14:18-20). The greatest adversary of love to God is not his enemies but his gifts. And the most deadly appetites are not for the poison of evil, but for the simple pleasures of earth. For when these replace an appetite for God himself, the idolatry is scarcely recognizable, and almost incurable.”
– John Piper
Fending Off the Idols
To guard our hearts against the idols of apathy, we must actively cultivate loyalty to God and set our hearts on things above. Colossians 3:1 reminds us of our new identity in Christ and encourages us to prioritize heavenly pursuits. By intentionally seeking God’s presence, immersing ourselves in His Word, and engaging in meaningful worship, we can nourish our hunger for Him.
1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:1-2
Keeping Ourselves in the Love of God
Jude urges us to keep ourselves in the love of God. This involves actively pursuing a deepening relationship with Him and guarding against anything that may hinder our connection with Him. It requires constant vigilance to ensure that worldly distractions do not overshadow our hunger for God. By regularly examining our hearts, confessing any areas of apathy or idolatry, and seeking His forgiveness, we can maintain a vibrant hunger for God.
keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.
Jude 1:21
Apathy poses a significant threat to our spiritual growth and intimacy with God. It is imperative that we recognize the subtle idols that can replace our hunger for Him. By remaining vigilant, cultivating loyalty to God, and setting our hearts on heavenly things, we can guard against apathy’s grip. Let us not allow the innocent delights of this world to deaden our hunger for God, but instead, let us continually seek Him, desiring to know Him more deeply and passionately.