Apathetic Christian

Things that matter...that we will be proud to have accomplished...take time and work.  To succeed in the important areas of life, we need interest, heart, enthusiasm, and eagerness.  Emerson said “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  Don't expect to achieve many lofty goals if the determination within you doesn't move you to act persistently.

The line between enthusiasm and apathy is very fine, and it's amazing how quickly and often we jump over it and back again.  I like to daydream that there are hundreds of careers or lifestyles that I would be happy in.  I imagine that in another life I might have sailed the seven seas, been a trapper/tanner/falconer in Alaska, or joined my countrymen and women at arms in the military.  But I'm DOING what I have passion for.  I'm not any of those other things because I was and am most interested and eager to minister to young people and their families.

So, where would you honestly say your level of zeal for Christ is taking you?  If you applied that same amount of heart to even your favorite hobby, how proficient would you expect to be at it?  We have heard the verses: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness..." (Matthew 6:33, etc.).  But, we also know that it's a daily challenge to lay aside everything else that vies for the number one place in our hearts (Hebrews 12:1).

Apathy wars against the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Indifference is one of the great weapons the deceiver wields in offense against the pure hearted.  Don't be convinced that your valiant enthusiasm isn't needed in your journey to be with God for eternity.  The heart that is in you now is more powerful and important than the successes or failures of your past or future.  Give that whole heart to God.

----Darrell Powell

When I Pray for Guidance

            Most of us have prayed that God would help us make the right decision or give us direction in certain situations.  You may have prayed the simple prayer, "Lord, I don't know what to do. Please help me!"  Sometimes two choices seem equal and we just wish God would shed some light on which one would be better.  What do we do when we face something like this, and what can we hope God will do to aid us?

            David wrote in Psalm 31:3, "For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name's sake you lead me and guide me;" (Psalms 31:3)  We are used to thinking of God as a guide.  He guided men like Noah, Abraham, and Moses in special, miraculous ways.  He guided the apostles, even breathing His words into their mouths and pens so that His Word could be written and preserved.  And we are familiar with the idea of His guiding us today through that word. 
            Knowing the source of wisdom when we are making decisions is important, but it's also reassuring to know that God can endow us with wisdom when we just don't know what to do or even what to pray.  James wrote, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5)  I need wisdom often...wisdom that I can't specifically request because, well, I lack the wisdom.  And God promises he is capable and willing to bestow it.  James did give some details about the wisdom God gives.  He said, "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17) 

 The One who created the minds and hearts of humans knows exactly what is best for us at all times.  When we can't put our finger on the exact thing we need to do at a given moment, it's ok to trust in our heavenly Father to guide us in a pure, reasonable direction.  So, walk in the light with God, and when deciding the direction you should go seems hazy, pray for heavenly wisdom and walk by faith.

----Darrell Powell