If I were truly apathetic, I would not have even started writing this article. I would have already decided that it wasn’t worth my time nor my effort and moved on to some other task that I may or may not decide to do.
It seems to me that apathy tends to sneak up on us, in that we don’t wake up one morning and decide that from now on I will be apathetic to the point of saying “it is what it is”. In other words, all motivation has disappeared from our lives and we no longer want to participate in nor be bothered by our daily responsibilities. I know this sounds rather extreme, but based on the following synonyms for apathy, that attitude seems to fit the meaning:
indifference
lethargy
detachment
disinterest
dullness
emotionlessness
passiveness
passivity
Apathy can take on many forms. It can start out as avoiding simple tasks, avoiding various duties and responsibilities, avoiding family and friends, or even escalate to the point where we avoid God.
Hebrews 10:23 – 27 (NKJV)
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
For those who suffer, overcoming apathy may not be an easy fix, and depending on how much apathy has crept into their lives, it may take a good bit of effort to conquer that apathy. Playing a bigger part in the lives of others, participating in tasks that we may not feel comfortable doing, or volunteering to help when there is a need seem like good starting points in the recovery process. Keeping busy by doing things for others also seem like excellent opportunities worth pursuing. I most certainly do not have all the answers as to how we can go about fixing apathy, but I do know that we can do all things with the help of Jesus.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
As I have been told, most of us will not volunteer, but if asked, we rarely say no. Although, volunteering not only helps us grow, but by doing so, I believe that it can help and encourage others to do the same.