Philippians 4:13 (AMP) I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]

There are a few verses that we see people in general overuse and use in a selfish context. Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:1 to name my top three over used and abused verses. Why do we do this? Have you ever asked yourself if you are looking for what God is doing or are you demanding He be where you are? There is a difference and it has to do with how we see God.

The Bible talks about a dangerous spiritual place of indifference that His body can lay hold in. We call it lukewarm, it can also be called apathy. It is when we have an “I do not care” attitude towards our relationship with God. Especially when it comes to our spiritual growth. Where does this come from? It is because we are consumed with self. Most of the times I see these verses abused is because they are used in the context of self. Do not get me wrong, the Word is for encouragement, but it is also for correction. Most importantly the Word is revealing who God is and who we are to imitate.

Ephesians 5:1-2 (AMP) Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

This is my prayer: God I want to be where I am supposed to be, doing what I am supposed to be doing with the people You have placed with me to do Your will.

Apathy or lukewarmness will cause us to become numb to the love and devotion that God instructs us to have. Love God. Love People. It is a numbness to our emotions and our fervor. How do we overcome? When were your thoughts last on surrender? When was the last time you submitted your heart to a searching and repentance? We are to die to ourselves daily (Matthew 16:24, 1 Corinthians 15:31, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6, Colossians 3:5). When you die to self you will not be able to use these verses out of selfish motives.

Isaiah 30:21 (AMP) Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

Let our hearts remain moldable by His Word. Out of our passionate love for Christ should flow humility, repentance, faith, obedience and thanksgiving. Fight apathy. Ask God to for you to join in what He is doing. Look for the God moments. Listen for opportunities to share about His mercy, His grace and His love. Let your sufficiency be in Christ.

Matthew 6:33 (AMP) But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

Abba Father, our Lord, our Creator, You are Marvelous and Wonderful. You are Holy, Merciful and Just. Let us stand in awe of You. Thank You for Your Son. Thank You that You sent Your Son out of Love for Your creation. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit, our Teacher and our Comforter. Thank You that You still speak today. Give us ears to hear, hearts to trust and hands to act. We surrender the temptation to carry out our own plans. Help us listen for Your voice. We repent for being self-centered and misusing Your Word. You know us better than we know ourselves. Search within us Lord for any unclean motives. You know the adjustments we should make in order to do Your will and Your way. Holy Spirit, work in our lives. Create in us the image of Christ so that our character is made in Him. We want to obey Your voice and obey Your will. We choose to surrender today. We choose hope today. We choose joy today. We choose love today. In Jesus Name, Amen.