Apathy? "I'm in a Bad Funk"

[BuckisMunz]

We'll start with myself, I really am in a slump, My attitude about life sucks, and just about everything I do nowadays has nothing to do with God. I'm a christian raised in a christian home, and I feel like I have all the answers to all my questions, but still I'm amazed that I still live like there's no God. The thing that gets me is that I know I need to spend time with God, and I know that I need fellowship and blah blah blah, but the problem is that I don't MAKE time to spend time with him. I know that he's there, and I have no doubt in my mind that God is watching my every move. I'm just stuck. My wife and I just had our first child and I thought that this would change my outlook and get me motivated to start becoming a better Christian. (meaning being more above reproach in all that I do) I find myself making decisions left and right that don't honor God, but then at the same time I don't really care. For instance, I feel cheesy asking God for forgiveness to something that i know I'll just do again. So then the whole aspect of "Whole Heartedly" is thrown out the window. So therefore cancelling out why I should ask for forgiveness in the first place. (I think I think too much, but hey, I'm still at a loss) I've lost the heart part of God, the desire, the appetite for more and more of God and it's bugging the BLEEP out of me. I want to be a man of God and a man of Integrity, but I feel like I'm just saying that, and that I'll be back down this road soon enough so why even try. I've thought about counseling, and I'm in a mens small group right now, but even still. that's not going to change my "Heart Attitude". Maybe some of you can help me, maybe point me in the right direction. anyhelp would be nice.

[Grantspastor]

Like Skein said...it happens to most of us. It sounds to me like you have diagnosed the problem. Now it's just a matter of deciding to go for the cure. You didn't say if you are a part of a STRONG local church in addition to your men's group. If not I'd start looking. Pray that the Lord will help you find a place where you can fit in, where your talents can be put to use, and where you can form relationships with people who care. There are churches like that out there.

Most christian people will tend to stray off center at one time or another in their walk...either towards legalism...viewing God as harsh and demanding...or they will tend to regard His grace in a light way, and not care much about living for God in a serious way. Denominations have been formed around these extremes. The key is to understand God as your Father..who really loves you and has high aspirations for you.

I would pray in a serious way and ask God to touch your heart, and give you a growing hunger to be close to Him. I don't know of anything else that can get results faster. As a Pastor I haven't had much luck getting people to change...I couldn't even grow and change myself without God's help.

This is the beauty of redemption. We can't do it on our own...but He can, and does all the time...for anyone who asks. He said "whoever comes to me I will never turn away".

I can pray for you. I also would be glad to dialog with you via e-mail if there are issues you are struggling with and don't feel like airing them in a public forum.

If it's any comfort, I've been there...God has recovered me, and I'm going forward for Jesus

[skein]

Take it easy on yourself - you're not alone.

Here's some things to think about:

Make a choice. People ask me why I'm always so happy. I tell 'em that when I get up in the morning I have two choices. And I don't like the other one. Make that choice.

Laugh at yourself. You're pretty comical, you know. Too weak to operate without God, yet too tough to give in and admit it. You ain't perfect, and I'm pretty sure He knows that. I doubt that He takes you as seriously as you take yourself. If you think about it, it'll be hard not to laugh.

Do a good thing. Anything. Make a decision that could go either way, but choose the right way. Don't think of it as an "Atta boy." Think of it as a toe in the door. A first step toward integrity. And honesty. And love. Try it - it gets easier every time.

Buckis, my wife and I never had any kids, and I think of you with a new child and I envy you with all my heart. You are a lucky man.

Sermon completed.

Skein

[BuckisMunz]

hey Grants, just wanted to let you know I emailed you.

[SKP]

BuckisMunz,

I just emailed you, check your email.

SKP

[LIMIT LANDER]

Sounds like you have been listing to "TBN" to much., all kidding aside One of the most beloved men in the Bible had the same problem...Apostile Paul...in Romans 7:14 Paul is having the same delima as you, he says "We know that the law is spititual: but I am unsrititual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what to do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Paul later expaines that he is a "wretched man trapped in a body of sin". He sees the wonderful Christ and the prefection of love that surrounds him, but Paul like you, he is held back by seeing he falls short of the mark. It is good to see someone obeying God but hates his sin. Satans has many tricks up his sleve, and one is to tell you, "You are not worthy". My advice would be dont put undo pressure on yourself, relax enjoy the grace that Christ has given you, you may be trying to do more than Christ has ask you to do. It would be like a world top rated track star who wants to run the 100 meters in 10.0, but he can only do 10.2 he has trained and although he is rated one of the top 4 in the world he cant get any faster, why? because that is as fast as God has intended him to go. Although he gets down on himself and gets frustrated, he is still a track star and he is still one of the best in the world. And that is where you need to know who you are. You are a Christian one of Gods chosen, so that in itself means you are the best. So enjoy who you are stop look where you are, enjoy his grace. Many times we are told to "be still" and know I am your God.

[BuckisMunz]

I appreciate all you alls advice. And am currently doing alot better. Just the realization that things could be alot worse has really put me a little more at ease. I still will struggle with Apathy about my relationship with God, but it is more evident now that I need to have one with God, and I feel him tugging at my heart daily. Now i just need to act upon it, instead of talking about it.

But the one thing that has really helped is sitting there with my family, thanking God every second that I get to spend with them. This realization is HUGE. and helps my days go by alot better... I mean, how can you say no to this: http://www.helliscoming.com/pics/surfer/joshnmom.jpg

So once again, Thanks you guys!!!
Jake

[ 08-22-2003, 06:32 PM: Message edited by: BuckisMunz ]

[feisty's wife]

You planned your whole life out with your Guides before you ever came around this time, only you forgot the whole arrangement, you will get to review the lessons down the Road...hang in there!