Contributed by Adeliyn Lim • Aug 15, 2023

It has been an interesting weekend to say the least. On the recent Saturday, six states of Malaysia (Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan, and Terengganu) held their State Elections, The days leading up to Election Day were faced with speculation, uncertainty and worry if the tides would change to the “blue/green” side. Worst of all was the general feeling of apathy towards it. It felt as though many Malaysians have lost the fire to vote and make known the will of the people to our political masters.

Interestingly enough, this weekend sermons tie back to what happened over the weekend. Dr. Ben Chen spoke about the unfinished work of the Kingdom, being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be a witness for Christ, and continuing on to be His messengers to the ends of the earth. Dr Richard Platt mentioned about the apathy that had set in after the pandemic which made many of us ineffective witnesses to His name.

How could we continue to be enthused despite the disappointment and stagnation we have endured over the years? To be frank, it does not matter which state we belong to, nor which denomination or church we attend. The critical principle for us is to hold on and continue growing in spite of circumstances surrounding us. As Christians and Malaysians, it is about daring to align our personal and/or organisational meaning and purpose with God’s purpose for human destiny.

Herein lies the challenge –  are we aligned with the Holy Spirit? The easiest measure of this is whether you feel nudged to do something about it. If all you feel is apathy toward Christ Kingdom and broader issues of community around you, perhaps you have been tired out and have strayed away.  If this sounds like you, may I invite you to ask the Holy Spirit to sweep the ashes of apathy away and revive your fire? To our leaders, do reach out to the ones who have strayed away and encourage them to return to the fold.

Prayer: “Lord, I humbly come before you. I confess that I have fallen away and allowed apathy to set into my life. I have allowed my selfishness and doubt to hinder my relationship with You and with others. I failed being a good witness to Your name in thought, word and deed. Thank you for Your grace that allows me to dwell a little in my negative emotions, and allows me to keep coming back to you while there is breath in me. Help me in my times of unbelief. Allow me to sit by the fire in Your courts for now. Will it so that I may catch Your fire in my soul, and Your will to where You will me to be. In your precious name I petition through Lord Jesus, Amen.”