Apathy Defined
Webster’s Dictionary defines apathy as ‘the lack of feeling or emotion, the lack of interest or concern’. The Greek root of this word is ‘pathos’ which means emotions or feelings so a-pathy is the lack thereof. It is interesting to me to see the definition in black and white, to see my condition described in so few words. I woke up this morning feeling blah, meh, whatever. Perhaps poor sleep, hunger or cycling hormones, even dreary weather could be the cause for such malaise, but I recognized in myself something deeper. I need to deal with apathy.
I wouldn’t characterize myself as a lazy or unmotivated person. I have given myself to many endeavours with much joy and passion. As I have gained years, experience and a small measure of wisdom, I quickly notice the slow and subtle rumble that begins deep within me. I ignore it for a time, but soon realize that what was once faint and without consequence, becomes louder and more intrusive. It is both dangerous and deadly to my soul, my faith, my vitality.
Do these apply to you?
Apathy can be an indicator that something is off, a warning light that something is not working correctly. Just like an amber light on your vehicle’s dashboard invites you to do some investigative work, so do the first signs of apathy. The checklist below can point to something brewing below the surface that might require your attention:
- indifference with an ‘I don’t care’ attitude
- lack of motivation or willingness to do much of anything
- unemotional in response to events or situations compared to your norm
- unproductive, with time wasted, projects unfinished
- lack of achievement becomes noticeable to others, becoming an embarrassment that might lead to shame and diminishing self-esteem
- eating too much and not exercising enough
This list is neither exhaustive nor diagnostic. I am not a physician or clinical counsellor, but as a coach, I share these from personal experience and from what others have indicated as they deal with apathy. During this season of COVID-19, I have struggled with each of the bullets above. I have said to my spouse, friends and kids that I can’t be bothered or I don’t really care. Sometimes I don’t want to pick up my Bible, even though it holds words of life and truth. Other times I sit and spin in either useless thinking or unproductive time-wasters. It’s frustrating and discouraging, but it seems I am not alone on this road. Please seek help if any of these symptoms become debilitating, possibly revealing a larger issue.
Faith and Apathy
“Apathy for a Christian, who is meant to live boldly, is like dying of hypothermia, like freezing to death. When you and I are exposed too long to the cold winds of ignorance and compromise, we slowly drift through complacency to the icy death of apathy.” Jim George ‘The Man Who Makes a Difference’
When I need to deal with apathy in my life, the last thing I want to hear are Christian platitudes or see pious posts calling me to dig deeper or pray harder. I want something that grabs my attention, that brings focus back to my glazed eyes. In George’s analogy of hypothermia, I need a flame that alerts me to the slow freeze and ignites a fire for me to get out of there!
I have been in Christian leadership most of my life where I have seen apathy thrive in all shapes and sizes. I believe it is one of the enemy’s greatest weapons against us. What is more effective than a church that is spiritually frozen? A people who are sluggish as life slowly ebbs away? None are immune and perhaps each of us have experienced what it feels like for your heart to wander off. You are likely unaware at first, but then one day you wake up and find yourself cold and hardened to things that once lit you up. You can take or leave Bible reading or missing church becomes no big deal. Perhaps you are justifying poor behaviour and then blowing off godly advice when it comes. Or maybe you’re caught in a vortex of looking inward that keeps your eyes on yourself and your current situation.
A Breeding Ground
Curious, I did a Google search, “What breeds apathy”? At a quick glance, I found silence, cynicism, pacifism, familiarity, numbness and passivity to be some culprits. Do any of those words grab your attention? Familiarity jumped off the screen at me and it provided another piece to the puzzle I am trying to solve. In this time of isolation and restriction, my life has become predictable. I’m bored! I seldom leave the house other than to get groceries or exercise. There are daily routines for managing my home, yard and business, all of which are healthy and good, but I am craving adventure, connection, something new, something exciting! My day feels grey, like the colour has seeped off the page.
So, if apathy is leading me to a colourless, frozen existence, how can I change the path I’m on? Million dollar question, right? To blanket anyone’s story or situation with an easy, catch-all response is offensive and dismissive, but I suggest this for anyone who is struggling: lift your eyes. Lift your eyes to the One who knows it all anyway.
Can Scripture Help Me Deal with Apathy?
The last verses of Psalm 119 can give us some helpful tips:
169 May my cry come before you, Lord;
give me understanding according to your word.
170 May my supplication come before you;
deliver me according to your promise.
171 May my lips overflow with praise,
for you teach me your decrees.
172 May my tongue sing of your word,
for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me,
for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, Lord,
and your law gives me delight.
175 Let me live that I may praise you,
and may your laws sustain me.
176 I have strayed like a lost sheep.
Seek your servant,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
The phrases I highlighted are actions that I feel are important for combatting apathy, but also the ability to lead a vibrant life. Each of these require choice on our part and like with any change we want to make in life, that first step can feel daunting. In my current bout of apathetic thinking, I have to work hard at coming before God with an honest and open heart. It’s difficult to engage with my emotions when frankly, it’s easier to not care! The same applies with praise. I am a worshiper to my core, but when I can’t open my mouth in song, something’s up! It brings me back to the analogy of hypothermia. I am slowly drifting through icy waters. But even in that place, there is hope! I have not forgotten the truth, even though I may not be giving it enough credit in my days. The Spirit of God will seek me as the drifter I am, calling me back, warning me of the danger ahead. ‘Will I heed his voice?’ is the question most pressing.
What now?
How about you? Where are you at with your ability to be honest with God about your truest feelings? Do you wrestle with choosing his way while you deal with apathy? Do you long for a vibrant faith but feel so lost how to find it? Are you a sheep, straying off on your own, not exactly sure how you got to be where you are?
Apathy is an internal journey, but you are not alone on that road. We each need to choose how we will engage with God. Each of us is responsible for the choices we make regarding our behaviour and attitudes. You and I can decide where or how far we will drift. It’s a choice that is yours to make, but if you need help along that road, please consider asking for it.
- Talk to a trusted friend or a pastor.
- Begin a coaching relationship. I would be honoured to journey with you.
- Seek therapeutic help. Mercy Seat Ministry is a great place to start.
Father, we look to you as the only one who knows the depth of our souls. You know every thought, feeling and expression within us. Thank you for not judging as we deal with apathy but extending your arms of mercy. Stir in our apathetic hearts, reminding us to come to you in everything. Thank you for hearing and responding as we try to trust in you.
