Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor (31 page)

Apathy is one of the deadliest sins. The Lord has strong words of warning for believers who fall into a lifestyle of apathetic behavior. Apathy spreads to others and hinders God’s work. It also destroys the witness of a believer by demonstrating to the rest of the world that God’s people appear to be no different than anyone else.

One might think the cause of apathy is laziness, and that is sometimes true. But apathy more often results from spiritual blindness and worldly distraction. One of the most frustrating challenges for a parent, teacher, or pastor is to motivate young people out of apathy and into a vibrant and productive Christian walk.
Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor
attempts to accomplish this by showing the contrast between two knights who choose different paths—one of apathy and one of purpose. There is great reward both here and in heaven for those who choose to live a life of purpose for Jesus Christ. It is my heart that this book will encourage people of all ages to live such a life.

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm … I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me
.

—R
EVELATION
3:15–20,
KJV