| Overdosing on Shrugs* - article by Joel Hempel
On a scale of one to ten, how much are you at risk of becoming indifferent to the Word of God? Every preacher (myself included) who has ever filled the pulpit at GLC has delivered multiple messages about the Law of God and the Gospel. The Law (what God has instructed us to do as revealed in his Word) and the Gospel (what God has done for us through Jesus and what he continues to do for us through the Holy Spirit) are our spiritual lifeblood. The Word of God (the Law and Gospel combined) gives us meaning and direction in life. But, we, the church (individual Christians and GLC as a congregation), are constantly tempted by Satan to not take God’s Word seriously and not receive our Lord’s promises revealed to us in Scripture. For example, we have repeatedly heard that we should be actively standing up for Jesus and sharing the Gospel wherever possible. Yea, we hear that all the time. Shrug number one. Everyone reading this article and everyone not reading this article is entangled with some sin(s) that is eating away at their soul. Repentance is needed. Get help. Yea, I know that’s true. But! Shrug number two. “I am hungry; I'm sick; I am in prison; I have nothing to cover my naked body; I'm a stranger here and alone. I am Jesus, and I need you.” I feel your pain, but I'm busy. Shrug number three. One more: God loves you. He loves you so much that he gave his Son to die for you. He forgives you. And now, you live by his grace which empowers and equips you for the rest of your life. Thanks. I appreciate it, but it's not all that helpful for what I am dealing with. Shrug number four. Shrugs are dangerous. They can lead to complacency and stagnation, doubt and worry, feelings of insignificance, and boredom. Christian faith does not grow well under these conditions. Is there an antidote to a shrugs overdose? Like any other kind of addiction, the corrective or remedy for spiritual overdosing on apathy starts with: 1. Recognizing and then wanting to stop the shrugging. 2. Next, ask the Holy Spirit to help you realize when you are shrugging off the Word of God and Gospel promises. 3. Ask God to reveal to you what he needs you to see or hear at this time in your life that is most important for your well-being. 4. Daily – and especially when you are in worship and hearing or reading the Word of God – intentionally ask God to help you stay open to his wisdom and direction for you. Yes, God cares so much for you that he will give you direction for your life and the means to accomplish it. 5. Finally, you are worth this effort, and you are also worth the pastor's or a deacon's time to talk this over. * The title comes from an online article by Jessica Hagy, We’re Overdosing on Shrugs: 11 Strategies to Survive an Apathy Epidemic”. | 
