In the name of Christ Jesus, dear Christian friends,

Years ago a man described the Christians of his day as a flock of geese. He wrote: "Every seventh day they paraded to a corner of the yard, and their most eloquent orator got up on the fence and spoke of the wonders of geese. He told of the exploits of their forefathers, who dared to mount up on wings and fly all over the sky. He spoke of the mercy of the Creator, who had given geese wings and the instincts to fly. This deeply impressed the geese, who nodded their heads solemnly. All this they did. One thing they did not do. They did not fly. They went back to their dinners. They did not fly; for the corn was good, and the barnyard secure" (Burgess, Encycl. of Sermon Ill.1988: CPH, p.30).

Could that be describing us? Would you agree that we struggle with "apathy"? My dictionary defines apathy as a "lack of interest or concern, especially in matters of general importance." Apathy is when you really aren't too concerned about something really important. That can be dangerous! Before the 9/11 disasters, our country suffered from apathy. There were warnings of danger, but the response of most was, "ho hum, it will never happen here." But then it did happen.

Something worse could happen. The world could end. So often, when bad things happen, people will say, "Well, it's not like it's the end of the world or anything." But what about that? What about the end of the world? If the world was going to end later today, if Christ was going to return and end this world, what would you do differently now? Only God knows if Christ will return later today, but if he did, would you be ready? We were not ready for 9/11. Most people figured it wouldn't happen. We're the U.S.A. It can't happen here. And then it did. Are you thinking that the world won't end today, that this can't be the day? What makes you so sure?

Could it be apathy? Could it be that you've lost that edge, that sense of urgency? Does your life lack a clear purpose? Have you forgotten why you are here? I believe that there is a problem of apathy, all across our land. It can be seen in society. It can be seen in our churches. It can be seen in our lives. But there is a cure for apathy! The apostle Paul delivers it right here in God's Word:

1. A "WAKE UP" CALL FROM GOD'S LAW

Romans 13:11 urges us to understand the present time. It says, "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber..." It's time to wake up! Wake up from your spiritual slumber and apathy! Wake up from the idea that we have all kinds of time yet. Wake up from this idea that we can keep putting off what is most important. I'll hear God's Word tomorrow. I'll reach out to my neighbor tomorrow. I'll serve the Lord tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow won't come. The moment Christ returns, it will be too late.

Too many are spiritually asleep. They are not really "awake" and aware of how urgent each day really is. Consider just one example that happens all the time. A pastor just happens to cross paths with a member who hasn't been attending worship for some time. "Hi, haven't seen you in a while" the pastor says, dropping a hint that isn't missed. "I know, pastor," the member says, "I've just been so busy..." And now you can fill in the blanks with all the usual excuses. What does God think of this? How do you think God likes to keep hearing that he is less important than the other things that are keeping his beloved child too busy for worship and Bible study? Yet, the church member began with the words, "I know." We know better, don't we? If that member really thought that Judgment Day was imminent, would the excuse be valid? If all church members thought that Christ would return at 1 P.M. today, there wouldn't be enough room for everyone to sit. God knows that most excuses are lame. Even we know that most excuses are lame. The First Commandment says that God must come first. Is he really coming first? Really?

Church attendance is only the tip of the iceberg. In this section of Scripture, the apostle has been talking about putting off the sinful nature and putting on the new nature. It says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Have you always done that, really? Would anything change if you really thought that the world would end this afternoon? It could! It could end before I even finish this message. So, I'd better hurry to the next point. Let's wake up and consider the second part of the cure for apathy, which is...

2. A REMINDER OF "OUR SALVATION"

It says here, "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." This is both obvious and profound. Every second that we live, we move one second closer to our final salvation! Every moment we move one step closer to our last moment here on earth. Are you ready?

If you want to go to heaven, you have to be perfect. Nobody gets there by trying their best. That isn't good enough. You have to be absolutely perfect and without any sin... What's that? You aren't perfect? Nobody's perfect? Well, I agree that you and I are not perfect. But somebody was. Jesus Christ was perfect. He had to live a perfect life for us, or we could not go to heaven. He had to die on the cross to pay for all of our sins, or we would not be saved. He rose from death, because he had won our salvation for us. And he has said that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life. When we go to heaven, that is our final salvation. Then, we will finally be saved completely from all the afflictions and consequences of sin. And so, it says, "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." Dear believers, second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, we are moving closer and closer to heaven. Every week, every month, every year, we are moving closer and closer to heaven.

Remember that. Let it influence the way that you live. Let it dictate your priorities. Let it guide you in considering what is really important, and what really doesn't matter. Let's consider a few things as to whether they are important or not. Learning about Jesus? That's important. Seeing every episode of your favorite TV show? That's not important. Bringing your children to Sunday School? That's important. Making sure that they have the latest Spongebob movie. Well, that's not that important. Making sure that you don't miss Spiderman 2. That's not as important as making sure that you and your family all know their Savior and the way to heaven, right? In the light of eternity, some things are going to be more important than others. Your task, under God, is to order your life accordingly. Now, let's take...

3. A LOOK AHEAD TO JUDGMENT DAY

On that last day, Jesus will return visibly. It will be a total surprise. The world as we know it will end. The dead will be raised. Everyone, without exception, will stand before the Judge, Jesus Christ. There will not be a long trial, with lawyers. The judgment will be quick and final and correct, because Jesus can read hearts. Whoever believes in Jesus as the Savior from sin will be placed on his right. Whoever does not believe in Jesus will be placed on his left. Jesus will publicly demonstrate that his believers had faith by mentioning their fruits of faith. He will tell how believers showed their faith in the way that they lived. But he will say that unbelievers had no fruits of faith, because they had no faith. Even if they did many works that seemed outwardly good, Jesus will reject them all, because they did not come from a heart of faith. Then, Jesus will take his believers to heaven, and send all the unbelievers to hell. And that is where everyone will be for all eternity. There will be no second chances.

That Day is drawing closer. It's time to wake up! May God rouse us from spiritual slumber and apathy! We need to be ready for the Last Day right now, and so do our loved ones. Reach out to help them before it's too late. Don't put off for tomorrow what you can do today.

Yet, never forget that casting off sin and trusting in Christ Jesus, we are ready for that great and glorious day. In fact, by faith we can look forward to it and pray: Come, Lord Jesus. Quickly come. Amen.