Apathy – 1 lack of emotion 2 lack of interest; indifference, listlessness

“A different world cannot be built by indifferent people.” Chinese proverb

“When he finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’” (Luke 5.4)

The boat wound it’s way through the thick willow trees and old cypress stumps. The cool black water lapped at the sides. A light fog rose from the surface as we made our way into the backwaters of the Mississippi. “Just a little bit further.” My guide could sense my anxious anticipation.

Billy and I had left the house about 4am. We drove for more than an hour to get to the boat ramp. We’d ridden for at least another hour down the Mississippi River to reach the mouth of the ox bow lake that we intended to fish. Billy had assured me that the bream we would catch would be huge and numerous. I sat on the bow of the boat and watched the water part before us in eager expectation. I was not disappointed with the results. We finally pulled up to a log jam and began to catch fish as quick as we could bait our hooks. At the end of the day we smelled of crickets and bream and baloney and cheese and both of us had smiles as wide as the river.

We rose early. We drove far. We worked hard and fast. We were rewarded for our effort. It was amazing. I love to catch fish. That is overstating the obvious.

“Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” (John 21.15b)

I am not apathetic about what I love. If Jesus were to look me in the eye and ask that question of me, what would I answer? Do I rise up early on His behalf? Will I drive far and wide for His cause? Will I work diligently and swiftly for the sake of the gospel? Robert son of Ben, do you truly love me more than these?