Awakening from Apathy: Embracing Lent's Reflection
Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a journey through the Lenten season, a time of reflection and introspection as we prepare our hearts for Easter. This season invites us to confront the shadows within our souls, the darkness that can jeopardize our relationships and spiritual well-being. We begin this journey by exploring the concept of the seven deadly sins, not as a list found in the Bible, but as a diagnostic tool to help us recognize and address the underlying thoughts that lead us astray.
The focus today is on the shadow of sloth, or more accurately, acedia. This is not mere laziness but a profound indifference, a lack of care that can manifest as a stubborn sadness or distracted weariness. It is an avoidance of what is good and an aversion to God himself. Acedia is the noonday demon, a temptation that can strike in the middle of our daily routines, leaving us procrastinating and indifferent.
In Mark 14, we see Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, deeply distressed and troubled, yet fully aware of the urgency of the moment. In contrast, his disciples succumb to sleep, missing the significance of the events unfolding around them. This story highlights the danger of apathy and the importance of waking up to the moment and practicing obedience.
Jesus' prayer, "Not my will, but your will be done," exemplifies a life of practiced obedience. It is a reminder that in the biggest moments of our lives, we will show up as we have in the smallest moments. Our daily practices of prayer and connection with God prepare us for the challenges we face.
As we enter Lent, we are called to wake up to the season and lean into practices like fasting and abstaining. These practices help align our physical hunger with our spiritual hunger for God. Lent is a time of introspection, a period to confront our shadows and return to the love of our gracious and compassionate God.
Key Takeaways:
- Acedia, or sloth, is not just laziness but a profound indifference that can lead us away from God. It is a noonday demon that tempts us to procrastinate and avoid what is good. Recognizing and naming this shadow is the first step in overcoming it. [09:27]
- Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, "Not my will, but your will be done," is a model of practiced obedience. It reminds us that our daily practices prepare us for life's challenges. In the biggest moments, we will act as we have in the smallest moments. [17:38]
- The disciples' failure to stay awake in Gethsemane highlights the danger of apathy. We must wake up to the urgency of the moment and practice obedience, resisting the temptation to choose comfort over faithfulness. [14:23]
- Lent is a time of introspection and repentance, a period to confront our shadows and return to God. Practices like fasting and abstaining help align our physical and spiritual hunger, drawing us closer to God. [30:44]
- Our salvation is not earned by effort, but our faith invites us to try and lean on the grace of Jesus. In our stumbling attempts to connect with God, we find the strength to resist apathy and live wholeheartedly. [28:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:33] - Introduction to Lent and Shadows
[06:30] - The Importance of Sin
[09:27] - Understanding Acedia
[11:28] - Jesus in Gethsemane
[14:23] - The Disciples' Apathy
[17:38] - Practiced Obedience
[20:26] - Jesus' Choice to Stay
[23:17] - Daily Practices of Faith
[26:16] - Perseverance Against Apathy
[28:13] - The Invitation to Try
[30:44] - Embracing Lent
[34:37] - Returning to God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 14:32-42
- Romans 5:3-5
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 14:32-42, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, and how do they respond? [11:28]
2. How does the sermon describe the concept of acedia, and how is it different from mere laziness? [09:27]
3. What are some of the key events leading up to Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane that highlight the urgency of the moment? [14:23]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' prayer, "Not my will, but your will be done"? [17:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the disciples' failure to stay awake in Gethsemane serve as a warning against apathy in our own spiritual lives? [14:23]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between daily spiritual practices and our ability to face life's challenges? [23:17]
3. How does the concept of acedia relate to the modern-day distractions and comforts that can lead us away from God? [26:16]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that perseverance is a cure for acedia, and how is this supported by Romans 5:3-5? [26:16]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt indifferent or apathetic in your spiritual life. What steps can you take to "wake up" to the urgency of the moment and practice obedience? [14:23]
2. Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane was a model of practiced obedience. How can you incorporate a similar practice of surrender in your daily prayer life? [17:38]
3. The sermon mentions the importance of daily spiritual practices. What specific practice can you commit to this week to strengthen your connection with God? [23:17]
4. Acedia is described as a noonday demon that can strike during our daily routines. Identify a specific distraction in your life that leads to procrastination or avoidance of what is good. How can you address this distraction? [09:27]
5. Lent is a time of introspection and repentance. What is one area of your life where you feel called to repent and return to God during this season? [30:44]
6. The sermon encourages us to lean into practices like fasting and abstaining during Lent. What is one thing you can fast from or abstain from to align your physical hunger with your spiritual hunger for God? [30:44]
7. Reflect on the idea that our salvation is not earned by effort, but our faith invites us to try. How can you lean on the grace of Jesus in your attempts to resist apathy and live wholeheartedly? [28:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Shadow of Acedia
Acedia, often misunderstood as mere laziness, is a deeper spiritual indifference that can lead us away from God. It is described as a "noonday demon," a temptation that strikes in the midst of our daily routines, causing procrastination and avoidance of what is good. This indifference can manifest as a stubborn sadness or distracted weariness, making us averse to God and His goodness. Recognizing and naming this shadow is the first step in overcoming it, as it allows us to confront the underlying thoughts that lead us astray. By acknowledging acedia, we can begin to address the spiritual lethargy that hinders our relationship with God. [09:27]
Proverbs 24:30-34 (ESV): "I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel spiritually indifferent. What steps can you take today to confront this indifference and seek God's presence?
Day 2: Practiced Obedience in Daily Life
Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, "Not my will, but your will be done," serves as a model of practiced obedience. This prayer highlights the importance of daily practices that prepare us for life's challenges. In the biggest moments, we will act as we have in the smallest moments. By consistently practicing obedience and aligning our will with God's, we cultivate a life of faithfulness and readiness to face any situation. Our daily habits of prayer and connection with God are essential in building a foundation of obedience that sustains us through trials. [17:38]
1 Samuel 15:22 (ESV): "And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'"
Reflection: What small, daily practice can you commit to this week to align your will with God's? How can this practice prepare you for future challenges?
Day 3: Awakening from Apathy
The disciples' failure to stay awake in the Garden of Gethsemane highlights the danger of apathy. In moments of spiritual significance, they succumbed to sleep, missing the urgency of the moment. This story serves as a reminder to wake up to the present and practice obedience, resisting the temptation to choose comfort over faithfulness. By staying spiritually alert and engaged, we can recognize the significance of the moments God places before us and respond with faithfulness and action. [14:23]
Ephesians 5:14-16 (ESV): "For anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.' Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you chose comfort over faithfulness. How can you stay spiritually alert and engaged in similar situations in the future?
Day 4: Lent as a Season of Introspection
Lent is a time of introspection and repentance, a period to confront our shadows and return to God. Practices like fasting and abstaining help align our physical and spiritual hunger, drawing us closer to God. This season invites us to examine our hearts, recognize our shortcomings, and seek God's grace and compassion. By embracing the practices of Lent, we can deepen our relationship with God and prepare our hearts for the celebration of Easter. [30:44]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "'Yet even now,' declares the Lord, 'return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.' Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster."
Reflection: What specific practice can you incorporate into your Lenten journey to draw closer to God? How can this practice help you confront your shadows and seek His grace?
Day 5: The Invitation to Try and Lean on Grace
Our salvation is not earned by effort, but our faith invites us to try and lean on the grace of Jesus. In our stumbling attempts to connect with God, we find the strength to resist apathy and live wholeheartedly. This invitation to try is not about perfection but about a sincere desire to grow closer to God and rely on His grace. By embracing this invitation, we can overcome spiritual indifference and live a life of purpose and devotion. [28:13]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel weak or inadequate? How can you lean on God's grace and strength in this area today?
Quotes
"Evagrius' insight is simple, that we all have shadows in our soul that must be dealt with before they destroy us. So that is the journey we will be on for the next seven weeks, reflecting on the darkness of our own soul. And each week we will do as we have always done, confessing before we come to the table of the Lord that we have sinned against our God in thought, word, and deed by what we have done and by what we have left undone." [00:04:37] (40 seconds)
"Sin is one of the few explanations that is intellectually satisfying and potent enough to account for everything that has gone wrong personally, mentally, emotionally, bodily, and globally. It takes into account that we actually do have a tendency to make things harder on ourselves. But that we also live in a reality in which things simply are not as they should be." [00:06:37] (29 seconds)
"Ancient Christian monastics actually called the acedia the noonday demon. The noonday demon. They believed that while other temptations come under the shadow of night, acedia can come in the middle of an afternoon. Maybe you're familiar with that 2 p.m. drop as you're at your desk going, I know I should be working. But there's YouTube. We're familiar with that moment of robbing us of our drive and leaving us uncaring." [00:09:16] (36 seconds)
"To those haunted by the noonday demon, Jesus' instructions are twofold. Wake up to the moment and practice obedience. These are the instructions Jesus gives to his disciples on the night just before he is executed. So, let's take a look at that account from Mark chapter 14. If you've got your Bible, my encouragement would be to turn to Mark chapter 14." [00:11:14] (34 seconds)
"In their weariness, they failed to recognize the moment they resided in. They failed to read the times. And to be honest, their obstinance is a little bit astounding because of the week they had just had. I would have thought the disciples would be more alert to the events that were unfolding. A few days before, in Mark chapter 11, Jesus enters Jerusalem and is greeted by the crowds, treated like a king as he comes in." [00:13:04] (35 seconds)
"Despite the events of their week, despite Jesus' explicit statement and then his simple plea, stay up with me, the disciples miss the urgency of their moment. Opting for sleep over prayer, for brief comfort over comforting their rabbi. How often can we turn to simple creature comforts, missing the urgency of a moment? You can almost hear the disciples saying to Jesus, relax. You'll be okay." [00:15:41] (36 seconds)
"Jesus' simple instruction to his disciples is wake up to the urgency of the moment. And then practice obedience. Verse 35. Going a little further, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him. Abba, Father, he said, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me, yet not what I will, but what you will." [00:17:38] (36 seconds)
"In the most harrowing moment of his life, Jesus didn't pray something new, something concocted just for the moment. He prayed exactly what he taught his disciples to pray. Your will be done. In the biggest moments of our life, you will show up the same way you've shown up in the smallest moments of your life. If you've deferred obedience to tomorrow, you will defer obedience to tomorrow." [00:22:21] (35 seconds)
"Listen, whenever I stand here and say, hey, you should think about entering into a daily rhythm of prayer and engagement with the scripture and connection with God. It's not because God needs you to do those things. It's because you need you to do those things. That you need moments of daily surrender and obedience where the prayer is not my will, but your will be done." [00:23:17] (30 seconds)
"Look, our salvation is not earned by effort nor gained by our merit. But our faith continues to invite us to try. And to lean on the grace of Jesus to cover the rest. There are days in which all I can pray is, Lord, I believe, help my unbelief. And that stumbling attempt to connect with God is my try for that day." [00:28:13] (30 seconds)
"Lent is this time of introspection and soul searching to look at the evil of our own. Our world and to look at the evil of our own heart. That in doing so, we might continually return to the love of our God. The prophet Joel writes, return to me with all your heart. With fasting, weeping, and mourning. Surringe your hearts and not your garments and return to the Lord your God. For he is gracious and compassionate." [00:34:02] (47 seconds)
"Lent is about returning to our gracious and compassionate God who is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion. And too often we've let apathy and indifference hinder us from learning those things about him. And Lent is our time to relearn the nature of our God. To learn once again of his kindness and his goodness. So let us wake up from our sleep and return to our God." [00:34:57] (34 seconds)
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