Mike Focht 10/3/2025
Apathy is or will be a problem for every Christian. That being the case, we must recognize the signs and dangers associated with this subtle and disconcerting spiritual disease. The Scriptures teach us several things about spiritual dryness, but the most straightforward and enlightening passage is Christ’s letter to the church of Laodicea.
The activity and life of the church were present but not pleasing. Christ’s assessment was: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. There was no rebuke for bad doctrine like Pergamum, sexual impurity like Thyatira, or spiritual deadness like Sardis. Their problem was blasé life. Where other churches had commendations or corrections, this church needed to realize that its ostensibly good works were complacent.
The very lack of outward rebellion led to ignorance of genuine need. Everyday life, material blessings, and social well-being made them feel spiritually satisfied. Since no one could point to their actions and accuse them of blatant sin, they defended the heart and tone of their spirituality. They weren’t lacking. They were rich. They weren’t deceived. They could see.
Here is the initial problem of an apathetic believer. Their view of themselves is very different from God’s view of them.
Christ introduced Himself to this fellowship as the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God. Their witness of themselves was very different than Christ’s witness of them. Apathy puts us in conflict with the one and only Faithful and True Witness. Just because things are okay doesn’t mean our spiritual life is okay. Our apathy will begin to thaw as we begin to see ourselves as the Amen sees us—cold or hot.
God would rather we live uncomfortably confessing our cold hearts or hungering for more wood to satiate our burning hearts than live comfortably with cool hearts. To live in a cold or hot state is a state of sincerity. It is to see clearly. To live in apathy is a state of ignorance. It is to be blind.
The One who walks amongst the golden lampstands and tends the life of the Church will always be faithful to speak the true word of how He sees us. When that good word comes, may the grace of God allow us to see ourselves through His eyes and hear clearly what the Spirit says to the churches.
Apathy will not stick to the man or woman of God who sees themselves through God's eyes, but sincerity will.