Just finished watching the movie "Se7en". I don't necessarily recommend it. Very violent and dark. However, there is one point where the two main characters Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and Mills (Brad Pitt) are having a discussion in a bar about the killer they are trying to find. Somerset is somewhat discouraged and Mills tries to shake him out of it.
Earlier he says,
Jesus is truly a champion, and we are glad we have a champion, but we don't want to be someone else's champion because of the amount of work it will require. Whatever is worthwhile takes work, on my part and on your part.
I truly think we have become a place that embraces apathy as a virtue. But it is not a virtue.
"...love costs: it takes effort and work."
McNair
William Somerset: I just don't think I can continue to live in a place that embraces and nurtures apathy as if it was virtue.I must agree with Somerset's conclusion about a lot of what we see in society. Apathy is the path that too many people take. They want simply to be left alone in their homes, in their cars and at work.
David Mills: You're no different. You're no better.
William Somerset: I didn't say I was different or better. I'm not. Hell, I sympathize; I sympathize completely. Apathy is the solution. I mean, it's easier to lose yourself in drugs than it is to cope with life. It's easier to steal what you want than it is to earn it. It's easier to beat a child than it is to raise it. Hell, love costs: it takes effort and work.
Earlier he says,
William Somerset: But you got to be a hero? You want to be a champion. Well, let me tell you, people don't want a champion. They wanna eat cheeseburgers, play the lotto and watch television.I really do wonder if people want a champion. Someone who not only does right, but someone who is an example to them. I wonder if they want to be spurned on to be greater than they are. I think they are more content to allow others to be the ones who put in the effort and work to love. They may be too interested in their cheeseburgers, playing lotto and watching TV. This is a malaise of all of society, the church included.
Jesus is truly a champion, and we are glad we have a champion, but we don't want to be someone else's champion because of the amount of work it will require. Whatever is worthwhile takes work, on my part and on your part.
You don't want to work?
Then don't be surprised with the world around you.
You don't want to be someone's champion?
Then don't be surprised at the lives of others who are in despair.
I truly think we have become a place that embraces apathy as a virtue. But it is not a virtue.
"...love costs: it takes effort and work."
McNair
May 22, 2014
ReplyDeleteIn response to “The Virtue of Apathy”, I believe that society is irresponsive to becoming a hero, or champion. Our world is laid back and waits on officials or governments to perform great deeds. Jesus, our Champion, has appointed each of us to go into the world to win souls for the Kingdom of God, which makes us champions in His image. Being God’s children, we have a champion appearance that descends from heaven. We are to support one another. Love is the innermost throbbing of the heart of God that ignites us to perform a work in this world. We are to show people that we are true champions. When I was a child, my champion was “Super Man”. Super Man saved the world. I was too young to know that God was my champion even though I sat in church constantly with my family. When I became an adult, God drew me to him through love. Our love affair began with me reading his word. I could not put the Bible down because he spoke to me through His word and I began to grow into a person who looked beyond myself, but to see that others needed what I had received from God. Although, it is hard work, we as a people should put forth more effort to becoming champions.
DGB
In response to "The Virtue of Apathy," I have not seen the movie Se7en. Reading this post makes me want to see this movie. The conversation Mills and Somerset had was so unbelievably true. It's sad how society works. Sometimes people forget and take the easy way out. For example, being a follower to God is an 24/7, everyday thing. You can't just be a christian one day feeling you did something good then the next day you sin and know your doing something bad then thinking you can go to church and repent your sins the next day. Today in society people are all over the place. What Mills was explaining to Somerset did relate much to the bible. When you want something it takes time, energy and effort. Nothing comes easy and being a follower of God does not come easy either. Things that come easy aren't worth what will be worthwhile in your life.
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