RELIGIOUS INDIFFERENCE

By David J. Riggs

                        
Intro.
   A. There is much indifference toward religion in our world today.
      1. People certainly aren't flocking to our worship services so
         they can worship God in spirit and truth.
   B. "Indifference" is defined as, "Having no concern or feeling, no
      interest; showing no preference."  (Webster).
      1. Certainly, many today have no concern, interest, or
         preference for the true religion of Christ.
   C. Indifference is one of Satan's most effective tools.
      1. It accomplishes more for Satan than the direct opposition to
         Christianity.
   D. Why aren't people interested in religion?  Let's look at some
      reasons.

I. MATERIALISM.
   A. Materialism is the doctrine or philosophy that physical        
      well-being and the accumulation of material possessions        
      constitutes the highest goal in life.
      1. In the United States, one-sixth of the world's population
         controls one-half of the world's goods.
      2. People who are in the pursuit of possessions have very      
         little time, if any at all, for religion.
         a. To be materialistic is to be carnally minded.  Rom. 8:6-8
         b. Jesus said that no one can serve two masters.  Matt.
            6:24
         c. In spite of what Jesus said, people keep desperately
            trying to serve two masters.
      3. The writer of Ecclesiastes went down the road of
         materialism, and he concluded in the end that it was all
         empty, vain, and striving after the wind.  Eccl. 2:4-11
         a. Until people begin looking at life in the proper
            prospective, they will not be concerned about religion.
         b. The writer of Ecclesiastes, after carefully examining all
            earthly pursuits, made this grand conclusion.  Eccl.
            12:13-14

II. HUMANISM.
   A. Humanism defined, "A doctrine, attitude, or way of life        
      centered on human interest or values; esp: a philosophy that   
      asserts the dignity and worth of man and his capacity for      
      self-realization through reason and that often rejects         
      supernaturalism."  (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary).
      1. Humanism is a fast growing philosophy in our country today.
         It is promoted by nearly all of the major Universities. It
         exalts man's wisdom and accomplishments. It promotes
         man's well-being by man's wisdom.
      2. It has no place or room for God.
   B. Humanism is nothing more than communism in new clothes.  
      1. Webster defines communism as, "A political doctrine or
         movement based on Marxism and developed by Lenin and
         others, seeking a violent overthrow of capitalism and the
         creation of a classless society."
         a. Communists thought that a classless society, where all
            people had the exact amount of possessions, was the
            best possible good for man.
         b. This sounds like a worthy endeavor, but it won't work.
         c. The early colonists in our country set up a communal
            situation at first, but they abandoned it because some
            became free-loaders and unwilling to work.
            (1) The leaders thought it best to be guided by the
                principle in 2 Thess. 3:10.
   C. Humanism and communism promote man's supposed well-being
      with no reference whatsoever to God, the Creator.
      1. It worships and serves the creature rather than the Creator,
         in this case, man himself.
      2. Christianity requires that one deny himself and follow      
         Christ.
      3. The law of Christ requires that one bear his own burden
         while bearing the burdens of others.  Gal. 6:2,5

III. MISUNDERSTANDINGS.
   A. Many truly don't understand Christianity.
      1. They repeat sayings and allegations which they have picked
         up in classrooms, clubs, or private conversations.
         a. For example, they have been told "Christianity is a
            reversion to the dependency of childhood."
         b. To depend on God for everything is not weakness, but
            wisdom.
         c. God has all power and authority. He can do anything.
            He is our heavenly Father who made us and cares about
            us.
   B. Many claim to be Christians, but they don't know Christ nor    
      what He taught.  They do not read and study the Book given by  
      Him.
      1. Suppose an acquaintance tells you that he is a disciple of
         Karl Marx.
      2. You ask, "What did Karl Marx teach?"  He says, "I don't
         know, but I know he taught a lot of good things."
      3. You say, "Tell me some of the sayings of Karl Marx." He
         says, "I don't know any."
      4. You ask, "Have you ever read any of the books written by
         Karl Marx?"  He says, "No, but I've heard he's written some
         good books."
      5. You answer, "You're not a disciple of Karl Marx; you only
         think you are!"
   C. Ditto regarding Christ.  John 6:44-45; Eph. 4:17-24
      1. His law need is written on our hearts, and we follow it, and
         that's how we are the true disciples of Christ.  John       
         8:31-32

IV. HYPOCRISY. 
   A. The hypocrisy of those who claim to be Christians causes much
      indifference in the world today.
   B. The division among those who claim to be followers of Christ
      causes indifference.  John 17:20-21
      1. Religions division proves that many are truly prejudiced,
         blind, and bias regarding truth.
         a. If a lawyer finds a flaw in the title to a piece of      
            property and does not warn about it, he has not done his 
            duty.
         b. If a banker finds discrepancies in the accounts of a bank
            and does not report them, he's a crook.
         c. If a doctor discovers a terrible disease and does not
            inform his patient, he's a quack.
         d. However, if the Christian today tries to warn about the
            error in another's religion, he's violently opposed.  2
            Tim. 4:2-4
   C. The unfaithfulness of members of the church causes             
      indifference.
      1. We have too many unconverted, immoral, wicked members
         in the church today.
      2. People conclude, "If your religion hasn't done any better
         than that for you, I don't want any part of it."
      3. Christians are to be the salt of the earth and the light of 
         the world.  1 Pet. 2:11-12
      4. It does not take long for your fellow workers to find out   
         that you are a liar, a cheat, and an immoral reprobate, if  
         you are one.
      5. Also, it doesn't take long for them to see that you are
         honest, fair, moral, and dependable, if you are.

V. PREVALENCE OF IMMORALITY.
   A. Matt. 24:12-13
   B. We are living in a sin-sick society.
      1. There are over 6 million alcoholics in the U.S.  There are
         several thousand murders every year.  There are many insane
         killers and rapists who are turned back on the streets every
         day.  Over 50% of today's marriages end in divorce.  There
         were 1,750,000 abortions last year. Our movies and TV
         programs are filled with violence, profanity, nudity, and
         fornication.
      2. It's very easy to get caught up in a sin-sick society, and  
         just go along with the crowd.
         a. When one does so, his religion becomes a hypocritical
            show.
         b. As it was in the days of Noah, and of Lot, so will it be
            when Jesus comes.  Matt. 24:35-39; Luke 17:26-27; 2
            Pet. 2:4-6

Concl.
   A. God has not been indifferent to the needs of man.
      1. Let us not be indifferent toward Him.
      2. Let us respond by being pure and living godly in this       
         present world.
      3. Let us abide in the word of Christ.
   B. The following, from an unknown author, is entitled, "A True
      Disciple."
      If you follow Christ - -
         When public opinion opposes,
         When the church and state are hostile,
         When high society disapproves,
         When your devotion brings sneers and jeers,
         When your fellow disciples turn back,
         When your relatives and friends frown,
         When it means a personal loss,
         When you must follow alone - - 
      You are His disciple indeed.