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In his sermon series on overcoming apathy, Pastor Groeschel* of Life Church lays out a three step process toward overcoming the apathy which holds us back from living as God calls us to live.  The first step is to “consistently expose yourself to something that creates a righteous discomfort.” 

He points out: 

• • Consistency is important.  Just ask someone returning from a mission trip.  When they are actively serving those in need, whether that be local or global, their attention in life changes.  “I will never be so self-focused again.  I’m going to live my life differently when I get back.”  But when they are not consistently exposed to the needs of others, (which produces righteous discomfort), life shifts back into ease, routine, and serving yourself, your company, and your family. 

• • What is righteous discomfort?  “Put yourself around some things that move you on behalf of God.  Some things that you know break the heart of God, you’re around it enough that it breaks your heart as well.”   

When we consistently expose ourselves to something that creates a righteous discomfort, “suddenly apathy cannot exist in your heart.  Apathy starts to change into a righteously fierce passion to make a difference in this world.” 

We see such righteous discomfort in the Apostle Paul who says the following about his Jewish brothers and sisters. 

Study

Romans 9:1-3  

I am speaking the truth in Christ – I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit – I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 

Reflect

What gives you righteous discomfort?  What gets you fired up inside, a need which weighs heavily on your heart?  Fasting from apathy begins with intentionally walking toward that which causes you righteous discomfort. 

Pray

Let us pray: 

Lord God, give me courage to expose myself to righteous discomfort – opening my eyes to the needs of others and empowering my heart to connect with their pain.  Help my heart to grieve what grieves your heart.  I pray in the name of the one who had compassion for all people, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen. 

 *Used by permission from Life Church.   

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Tags: apathy, devotions, fasting, Lent