3.  The word “indifference” is not found in the Bible, but the concept is addressed:  Indifference or apathy is considered a sin against both God and man.  “Having or showing no interest, concern or feeling; uninterested, apathetic, or unmoved.”  Disinterest, coldness, apathy, detachment or unconcern.  God seeks the opposite attitude in man: Josh. 24:15; 1 Kgs. 18:21; Matt. 12:30; Rev. 3:14-19 3

4.  It disgusts God: Rev. 3:16  Lukewarmness of Laodiceans was disgusting to the Lord.  Heartless indifference, not usually considered an overly vile transgression, brings Jesus to the point of vomiting.  Can you imagine making the Lord want to vomit? 4

5.  It discourages brethren: Prov. 10:26  Diligent workers in the kingdom are discouraged by those who are indifferent to His cause.  Poor attendance and contribution, lack of preparation for Bible classes, lack of interest, lack of concern, etc.  Indifferent brethren are like a ball and chain around one’s leg. 5

6.  God’s “house” is abandoned: Hag. 1:4-11  Haggai rebuked Jews for their indifference toward rebuilding the temple.  Poor attendance and contribution, lack of preparation for Bible classes, lack of interest, lack of concern, etc.  God rebuked the shepherds for their indifference toward the flock: Ezek. 34:1-10 6 The work we are doing here is the most important work on earth!

7.  The needy are neglected:  Poor always with us: Mk. 14:7  Urgent needs must be met: Titus 3:14; Heb. 13:16  Indifference causes us to be blind and deaf to the plight of those in need: Isa. 57:1; Eccl. 4:1; Psa. 142:4  Obligations to those in need:  Spiritual: Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19-20  Benevolence (congregation & individual obligations): 1 Cor. 16:1; Jas. 1:27; Matt. 25:31-46 7

8.  We will lose our soul:  Bible makes it clear destruction and damnation are the consequences of indifference: Psa. 28:5; Prov. 19:16; Zeph. 1:12-13  Can’t be indifferent because we have important work to do! Phil. 2:12; Heb. 2:1-3 8

9.  Love:  What is the opposite of “love”? Hate? No! It’s indifference!  Love provokes us to do good for others: 1 Cor. 13:4-7; 1 Jn. 3:17-18  Nature hates a vacuum! Matt. 12:43-45 9

10.  Zeal:  The answer for indifference is to “be zealous and repent”: Rev. 3:19  God’s word tells us we must serve with zeal: Rom. 12:11; Heb. 6:11-12  Zeal comes from fellowship and association with faithful brethren: Heb. 10:24-25; 2 Cor. 9:2  What if everyone in the congregation had the same zeal as me? 10

11.  Let Christ into our lives:  Why were the Laodiceans lukewarm? Rev. 3:17-20  Left to itself a liquid eventually assumes room temperature; something has to be added to make it warm or cool  If we let Christ back into our lives we will become “hot” again. 11

12.  Give of ourselves:  That describes the Macedonian saints: 2 Cor. 8:3-5  We can’t help being indifferent towards things in which we have no interest: Lk. 18:22; Matt. 6:19-21 12

13.  Pray:  Prayer is a good prescription for any spiritual ill, including indifference.  Prayer is always available, but how often do you pray? Lk. 18:1-8  God promises to answer prayer: Matt. 7:7-11; Eph. 3:20 13

14.  God is not indifferent about our indifference.  Consider what God’s done for us…how can we be indifferent?!  Indifference also shown by lack of love for our fellow man.  Indifference is another manifestation of selfishness.  Indifference can and must be overcome! Love, zeal, let Christ into our lives, give of ourselves, pray.  We can’t afford to be indifferent about our souls: Matt. 16:26  Overcome indifference through conscious effort! 14