What Does Indifference Do?

 

          The church of Christ as found in the Scriptures was a living body made up of converted souls. Those who made up the first century church were redeemed from sin by being washed in the blood of the Lamb. God was real to these early Christians. Jesus Christ was literally their life. Paul wrote, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20) They practiced Christianity. Today the church of Christ is plagued with a great deal of indifference. Few things have robbed the Lord and His cause as much as spiritual indifference. When one is indifference toward spiritual matters truth cannot penetrate the heart of that person and that soul will be lost! Spiritual indifference is sinful!

 

          Spiritual indifference displeases the Lord. "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46) When a person "professes" Christianity but does not "practice" Christianity the name of God is blasphemed. Paul wrote, "You who make your boast in the law, do you dishonor God through breaking the law? For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you..." (Romans 2:23-24)

 

          Spiritual indifference delivers damnation, rather than salvation. Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." (Matthew 7:21)  Those who are only hearing God’s word and not doing it are deceiving themselves if they think they are saved. "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (James 1:22-25) A "do-nothing" Christianity is a curse to the church and heartache to God.

 

          Spiritual indifference depletes spiritual strength. Spiritual strength comes to those who are hungry for it. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." (Matthew 5:6) Spiritual strength comes to those who practice godliness. "For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8) In an immoral world those of us who make up the church of Christ must take a stand for right and we must take this stand before it is too late for our nation. This is done through the continual practice of New Testament Christianity in daily living. Let the world see Christ in the lives of Christians as salt for a tasteless world and light for a world of darkness. (Matthew 5:13-16) Spiritual strength is a by-product of the practice of righteousness. Unpracticed Christianity will always take away from our spiritual strength.

 

          It is time for Christians to put on God's armor and stand up and fight. "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:10-18) God will give the victory.

 

          You can enjoy redemption by the blood of Jesus and also forgiveness and hope because He is the Christ. To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus as the Christ (Mark 16:16), repent of all sins (Acts 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized for remission of sins. (Acts 2:38) After baptism remain faithful to God. (Revelation 2:10) Life on earth is always better when we have Jesus as Savior and the hereafter with Jesus will be very far better!

 

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street Greenville, Alabama 36037 USA