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The Apathetic
Christian (Part 2)
Today, we continue the series on apathy.
The word apathy is interesting. It comes from the Greek word apatheia, which means “without feeling.” I believe that’s an accurate way to describe the majority of Americans and many churches across the U.S.
I use The Outreach Center here in Morganton, N.C. as an apathamometer, a way to measure and gauge apathy. If you read this site then you’ve read about The Outreach Center. This amazing place assists over 1,000 families every week with free food, clothing, and education. Let me repeat that. Over 1,000 families every week are assisted, covering the immediate 5 county area. On Tuesday night alone, from 6-8pm, around 600-800 families receive free groceries. Each round of groceries is valued at about $70-$80. All the services are free and almost all, 99%, are volunteers. The very few paid staff are paid a small salary via grant money. Pastor Holly Johnson is the Executive Director (and the GM here ar AGR) and earns no salary. She runs The Outreach Center for free. No one is getting rich, at least in Earthly terms, at The Outreach Center. But those who volunteer do reap eternal rewards and they help their fellow brothers and sisters who need a helping hand.
You would think such a place would have no trouble raising money to pay the bills and a very easy time getting and keeping volunteers, but that is not the case. The Outreach Center struggles to pay bills and is constantly in need of workers. But TOC is blessed nonetheless with a bountiful supply of food for its clients. But money is scarce and dedicated volunteers are a rare breed. Many potential donors and volunteers talk a good game, but in reality many just don’t care. I don’t like to say that but I really think many do not care if it does not involve or relate to them directly. This pattern is especially troubling in the Christian community because it does involve everyone directly. The words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 should ring in all our hearts: And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Do people really care or has apathy become the new standard by which we live? Today’s world breeds apathy. Today’s world breeds materialism and materialism breeds apathy, unless you’re talking about our ipods, computers, TV shows, shopping, or eating out…then we get pretty passionate. But talk about helping out or going to church or just volunteering or just helping someone do anything…then we get a little non committal. My friend Larry Cook likes to remind us that in all things, “There is a payday someday.” We’ll talk about that tomorrow. (Click here to read Part 1)
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