The Unspoken Sin

No I’m not referring to some sexual sin, or any other matter Christians can sometimes be silent on, but the sin of spiritual laziness or slothfulness, historically known as acedia, a sin which is rampant and largely unaddressed in contemporary Church culture.[1]
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In Cover to Cover we’re in the period of the Kings, which is characterized by this roller coaster of spirituality, sometimes a nearness to the Lord and the associated blessings and sometimes a departure from him and the related consequences.

As a pastor, zealous for the honour of the Lord, desirous that His people would glorify and enjoy Him, and that others would be led to do the same, it pains and even deeply grieves my heart when I see the sin of acedia in the world, but especially when it creeps into the visible church.

A past sermon on the ant in Proverbs 6:6–11 (July 27) taught us the vital spiritual lesson of Christian industry. The ant is our teacher on industry, initiative, purpose, and ultimate satisfaction or reward in our work. Like our Creator we were created to create. Like our God who is Spirit, we too are designed to be spiritual. Are we busy about our souls and winning and nurturing the souls of others? Do we have to be told, prompted or reminded to seek the Lord? Is He the sole purpose of our life? Are we storing up treasure in heaven? If we are like the ant—spiritually speaking—we will answer a hearty, “Yes.”

Do we take advantage of the spiritual means of grace[2] that He has provided His people and Church?

• The rest of the Lord’s Day and its opportunities to worship
• The preaching and study of the Word, along with other forms of discipleship
• The ordinances of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
• Gathering for prayer
• Opportunities for Christian fellowship and acts of service
• Evangelism
• Opportunities for good works
• …the list could go on…

Sadly, if we surveyed the bulk of professing Christianity in Ontario it would seem our faith is not too hot but rather too cool. Acedia is a leading reason for the languishing state of large portions within our churches and indeed Ontario church culture as a whole. Are there exceptions, of course there are, however, if we are honest acedia is the unspoken sin that we really do need to speak up about. If we in our laziness neglect these means of grace a mediocrity is the best we may attain, or worse. Is it any wonder that many find Christianity dull when the majority of professing Christians are not seizing hold of the grace that Christ offers and so know the joy He promises to impart. And if our joy is not in Him, what worldly thing is it in and how is that drawing our beliefs and behaviours away from what Christ would have for us in the vicious downward spiral of sin?

Acedia is quite possibly the greatest sin of our age, yet its unspokeness makes it all the more dangerous.

If the seeking or worship of the Lord is our great call then not to be zealous in that pursuit, to not love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength is indeed criminal and injurious to our soul.

Oh the joy that Christ has in store for His people if they would but, in faith, be spiritually industrious! Acedia breaks my heart every time I see an instance of it; yet to the contrary, when I see spiritual industry my joy is made complete for the joy the other knows through their obedience to Christ's promises and commands.

If you are zealous for the Lord would you please join me in making the Psalmist’s prayer your prayer:
Will you not revive us again, that your people may delight in you? (Ps 85:6)


[1] From the Greek, an inert state without pain or care.

[2] A means of grace is a way that God has appointed through which, when trusted in faith, the believer derives His unmerited favour, or untold spiritual benefits.