Spiritual apathy, or a lack of interest and passion for spiritual things, is a common struggle for many Christians. Thankfully, the Bible provides wisdom and encouragement on how to overcome this state of indifference.
Examine the root causes
First, spend time in self-reflection and prayer, asking God to reveal any underlying issues contributing to your apathy. Are you distracted by the cares of this world? Have you allowed sin or bitterness into your heart? Are you failing to regularly read God’s Word and spend time with Him? Identifying core issues is an important starting point in overcoming apathy.
Prioritize time with God
Spiritual apathy often stems from a lack of time devoted to spiritual disciplines like Bible reading, prayer, fasting, and worship. Set aside consistent time to seek the Lord each day. Psalm 119:97 says “Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” When we carve out time to meditate on God’s truth, our passion is ignited. Protect your time with God and see it as a precious gift, not a chore.
Repent of any known sin
Harboring unrepentant sin can quench the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. As 1 Thessalonians 5:19 warns, “Do not quench the Spirit.” Come before God in humility, confessing any areas of disobedience. Plead for Him to rekindle spiritual fervor within you. Cleansing our hearts prepares us for fresh fire from above.
Examine your influences
Take inventory of voices and influencers in your life. Proverbs 13:20 states, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” If your news intake, social media feeds, or even friend groups are filled with negativity and impurity, it can deplete spiritual passion. Seek out edifying influences that will challenge you to pursue Christ wholeheartedly.
Remember God’s promises
Combat apathy by meditating on scriptures about God’s faithful promises and mighty power. “He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). “He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength” (Isaiah 40:29). Let these words ignite renewed hope and confidence in your soul. God is able to revive the weariest heart!
Take steps of obedience
Don’t wait for feelings of passion before acting. Obedience often precedes emotion. Take tangible steps like serving in your local church, sharing your faith, giving generously, and engaging in spiritual disciplines. As we offer even small acts of sacrifice and obedience, our hearts are changed. Choose to say “yes” to God even in the absence of passion.
Seek accountability and fellowship
We need brothers and sisters in Christ to fan the flames of our faith. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24). Surround yourself with passionate believers who will encourage you, pray for you, and challenge areas of complacency or compromise. Their fire can ignite your own.
Ask God for a renewed heart
Cry out to God for revival, starting with your own soul. King David prayed, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me” (Psalm 51:12). God delights to answer sincere prayers for spiritual restoration. Ask Him for fresh passion, vision, and delight for His Word and His glory.
Remember previous times of revival
If you’ve experienced seasons of spiritual vigor and zeal in the past, reflect on what characterized that time. What were you doing differently? Recalling God’s past faithfulness can rekindle your heart in the present. “Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” (1 Chronicles 16:12).
Change up your spiritual routine
Shaking up your regular spiritual habits can combat monotony that leads to apathy. Try a new type of Bible study, listen to different worship music, serve in a new area at church, or take a retreat focused on spiritual renewal. Bringing fresh perspective fuels passion.
Preach the gospel to yourself daily
Remind your heart continually of Christ’s beautiful sacrifice on the cross and the salvation He has given you. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Meditating on the gospel fans the flames of love for Christ and gratitude for His amazing grace.
Keep an eternal perspective
Apathy easily creeps in when we focus excessively on temporal, earthly affairs. Combat spiritual laziness by fixing your eyes on eternity. Colossians 3:2 instructs, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Remember the urgent priority of bringing lost souls to salvation and living for Christ’s glory.
While overcoming spiritual apathy requires self-discipline and intentionality, take heart that our mighty Savior is more than able to revive and restore passion for His glory. Yield yourself to His transforming power today.
