Indifferent to Persistence

Bible Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Indifference- the lack of interest, concern, or sympathy: apathy.

What are we indifferent to? Is it homelessness, hunger, child abuse, drug trafficking, money… perhaps our spiritual or academic lives? Are we indifferent to our social media presence, the forms of entertainment we enjoy, gossip we engage in? What are the things we don’t give a second thought of?

 The judge in Luke 18:1-8 showed no concern or sympathy to the widow’s need. He did not fear God nor respect his fellow man. (Luke 18:2) Through the widow’s persistence, he finally relented and gave her the justice she sought. (Luke 18:4-5) 

Applying the timeless lessons of God’s Word, we see ourselves in these parables. Every day we are given an opportunity to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8) How can we do that if we are so consumed with our selfish desires? We miss the sacrifices of those wanting to help us through their persistence. The widow was the one in need but, her persistence helped the judge and us see how we can serve God by serving each other. God is in control. (Luke 18:6-8)

I am struck by how many times I’ve had to learn the same lessons over again. The times I have let go of God’s hand and sought my own fleshly desires instead of His divine will; the feeling becomes uncomfortable. It’s as though I’m standing naked in the middle of a busy intersection allowing everyone to gawk at me. Although that feeling of utter embarrassment is overwhelming, I thank God through the Holy Spirit that I feel embarrassed rather than indifferent. It ushers in a fresh remorse and repentance for the things He has warned me against.

If we find ourselves feeling ashamed, embarrassed, or even humiliated we should quickly turn to God and thank Him for the awareness. The gentle discipline that comes from our emotions are far easier to grow and learn from than the complete destruction of judgement that awaits us for not heeding His warnings. Let us all have repenting hearts eager to act justly, and show kindness, because of His mercy.

Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service, you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

~ Torrie

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