Introduction
Apathy among some Christians regarding the need to read the Bible missionally is a growing concern within the modern Church. The Bible, which serves as a roadmap for believers, not only guides personal faith but also calls for active participation in God’s mission to reach all nations with the gospel. However, many Christians fail to embrace this missional aspect, resulting in a lack of engagement in spreading the message of Christ. This indifference can stem from a variety of spiritual and practical factors, each contributing to a broader sense of complacency. Understanding these factors is crucial for reigniting a passion for missional living, which is central to the Christian faith. Below are seven key reasons for this apathy, each supported by biblical references that highlight the importance of overcoming these challenges.
1. Spiritual Lukewarmness
One of the most significant barriers to embracing the Bible missionally is spiritual lukewarmness. Revelation 3:16 captures Jesus’ stern warning: “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” This lukewarmness reflects a state of spiritual complacency, where believers may attend church and engage in religious activities, yet lack genuine passion and fervor for God’s mission. Such individuals may be more comfortable maintaining the status quo than facing the challenges of mission work, which often requires sacrifice, dedication, and a willingness to step outside of one’s comfort zone. To counteract this, Christians must rekindle their spiritual fervor, remembering that a lukewarm faith is distasteful to God and ineffective in advancing His kingdom. Reigniting this passion is essential for believers to fully engage in sharing the gospel and making disciples, as Christ commanded.
2. Misplaced Priorities
In a world that constantly pushes the pursuit of materialism and worldly success, it is easy for Christians to develop misplaced priorities. Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:24 are a stark reminder: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” When believers prioritize worldly gains—such as wealth, status, and personal ambitions—over God’s mission, they become distracted from their true calling. The urgency to read and live out the Bible’s missional message diminishes as these temporal pursuits take precedence. Christians must realign their priorities by placing God’s mission at the forefront of their lives, understanding that the eternal impact of fulfilling the Great Commission far outweighs any temporary earthly achievement.
3. Spiritual Blindness
Spiritual blindness, often caused by sin and the influence of the world, can prevent believers from recognizing the missional call embedded within Scripture. 2 Corinthians 4:4 warns, “In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” While this verse primarily addresses unbelievers, it also serves as a caution to believers who may be spiritually blind to the mission of God due to their own unrepented sin or worldly influences. When Christians fail to see the bigger picture of God’s redemptive plan, they may overlook the Bible’s call to engage in mission work. To combat this, believers need to seek spiritual enlightenment through diligent prayer, consistent study of God’s Word from a missional perspective, and fostering a deeper relationship with Christ. Only then can they fully grasp the significance of living out the Bible missionally.
4. Self-Centeredness
Self-centeredness, a focus on one’s own needs and desires, is a significant obstacle to adopting a missional perspective. The Apostle Paul, in Philippians 2:4, advises believers, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” When Christians are preoccupied with their own lives, they may neglect the needs of others and the call to share the gospel. This self-centered approach contradicts the very essence of Christ’s teachings, which emphasize love, sacrifice, and service to others. To overcome this barrier, believers must cultivate a heart of compassion and selflessness, recognizing that the mission of God is not just about personal salvation but about extending His grace and truth to all people. Embracing a missional outlook requires a shift from self-centeredness to a Christ-centered focus on the needs of the lost and the hurting.
5. Lack of Biblical Knowledge
A lack of biblical knowledge is another reason some Christians do not engage with the Bible missionally. Hosea 4:6 laments, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Without a thorough understanding of Scripture, believers may fail to recognize the Bible’s emphasis on mission work and the Great Commission. This ignorance can lead to apathy, as they may not see the importance of spreading the gospel or even feel equipped to do so. To address this issue, Christians must commit to deepening their understanding of the mission of God reflected in the Bible, recognizing that it is not just a collection of spiritual principles for personal growth but a missional guidebook that calls every believer to participate in God’s redemptive plan. Engaging in regular Bible study, seeking sound teaching, and relying on the Holy Spirit for illumination are crucial steps in developing a comprehensive understanding of the Bible’s missional message.
6. Spiritual Stagnation
Spiritual stagnation occurs when believers stop growing in their faith, resulting in a lack of enthusiasm for mission work. Hebrews 5:12-13 addresses this concern: “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.” When Christians fail to mature in their understanding and practice of faith, they become spiritually stagnant, losing the drive to engage in God’s mission. Such stagnation can lead to a comfortable, routine faith that lacks the vitality and passion necessary for effective ministry. To prevent this, believers must be intentional about their spiritual growth, continually seeking to deepen their relationship with God, expand their knowledge of Scripture, and apply their faith in practical ways. As they grow spiritually, their desire to participate in mission work will naturally increase, leading to a more vibrant and impactful Christian life.
7. Fear and Comfort Zone
Fear and a reluctance to leave one’s comfort zone are common reasons why some Christians do not engage in the Bible missionally. 2 Timothy 1:7 provides encouragement: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” The fear of the unknown, potential rejection, or failure can prevent believers from stepping out in faith to share the gospel. Additionally, the comfort of routine and familiarity can make the idea of mission work seem daunting or unnecessary. However, the Bible consistently calls Christians to step out in faith, trusting that God will equip and empower them for the work He has called them to do. Overcoming fear and embracing the challenges of mission work requires courage, faith, and a deep reliance on God’s promises. When believers choose to trust in God’s strength rather than succumb to fear, they can break free from their comfort zones and fully engage in His mission.
Conclusion
The apathy that some Christians exhibit towards reading the Bible missionally is rooted in various spiritual and practical challenges. These seven reasons—spiritual lukewarmness, misplaced priorities, spiritual blindness, self-centeredness, lack of biblical knowledge, spiritual stagnation, and fear—highlight the obstacles that hinder believers from embracing their missional calling. Overcoming these barriers requires intentional effort, spiritual growth, and a renewed commitment to prioritizing God’s mission. By addressing these issues, Christians can rekindle their passion for sharing the gospel, living out the Bible’s missional message, and fulfilling the Great Commission with renewed zeal and dedication.
Dr. Curt Watke is a distinguished missiologist whose three-plus-decade-long career has significantly impacted Christian mission work in North America, particularly in under-reached and challenging regions. Holding a Ph.D. in Evangelism and Missions, Dr. Watke has focused on bridging cultural gaps and fostering sustainable Christian communities by developing innovative strategies that address contemporary challenges like globalization, urbanization, and religious pluralism. His emphasis on cultural sensitivity and contextualization in mission work is reflected in his collaborative writings, including notable works such as “Ministry Context Exploration: Understanding North American Cultures” and “Starting Reproducing Congregations.” Beyond his writing, Dr. Watke is a sought-after speaker and educator, lecturing at seminaries and conferences worldwide, and his teachings continue to inspire and equip new generations of missional leaders. His enduring legacy is marked by unwavering dedication to the mission of God and a profound influence on missional thought and practice. Dr. Watke serves as President and Professor of Evangelism & Missiology at Missional University.
