I’m beginning to think that indifference is worse than hatred, or any of the negative emotions because there is no reaction. One doesn’t act/do anything. How can you talk with, question, or ‘debate’ with people who are totally indifferent?! You can’t! It becomes a completely frustrating feeling and situation. And if you are passionate about the (fill in the blank – idea, plan, context, person, etc.) then you feel not only frustrated but incompetent. The latter is not accurate but that doesn’t diminish the feeling.
Remember the scripture (warning) in Revelations about being hot/cold (my definition of indifference)? In Revelation, John is fulfilling the command to speak to the 7 churches a warning and an encouragement. The words to one church is:
“…I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, I could
wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm,
and neither cold or hot. I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (3:14-22)
What a tremendous condemnation! But how do you feel with those who act that way – neither yes nor no? Frustration would be rampant, you don’t know what they are or want and as such can do nothing. So do you meet indifference with indifference?
To 6 of the 7 churches, there are words of commendations, criticism, instruction, and promise. But to the indifferent church there was no commendation. Fortunately, there is always instruction and promise, because one can always choose to change. If there is an incredible lesson to be learned about judgment or correction it is that God never warns without following through but if you notice, He also provides a means of escape – if we change then we won’t experience the judgment waiting.
Indifference is a killer. It saps the strength of those who are trying to do what they believe is important. It wastes people, time, resources, and anything that will aid in goal achievement. Sadly, I’m not sure there is anything someone else can do to dilute the affect of indifference from another. It is always our decision and choice to be indifferent. But … why? I don’t believe indifference is the result of fear – it’s simply the manifestation of not caring. And carrying is a choice.
