ENNUI

ENNUI

In the aftermath of especially peak life experiences, e.g. vacations, weddings, or even encounters with close friends, we sometimes find ourselves underwhelmed by a vague sense of ennui [pronounced ‘ahn-WEE’]. According to Dictionary.com, “ennui” is “a feeling of weariness and discontent resulting from satiety [sufficiency or enough] or a lack of interest.” Ennui is synonymous with boredom.

Here is an unusual question to reflect upon: ‘Should Christians ever become bored?’

At first glance, the answer to this question seems obvious since believers in Christ are entirely human, not divine. Why shouldn’t we experience the wide range of human emotions: happiness, sorrow, anger, fear, fulfillment, fatigue, boredom, and etcetera? 

However, there is another aspect to consider. Perhaps, those general feelings of discontent or boredom that we sometimes experience emerge from our inactivity in engaging Kingdom assignments.  Jesus declared, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night comes, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) Undoubtedly, all of us operate within limited time frames to fully actualize our intended purpose and destiny.  In a word, every calling has a definite shelf life.  It may well be that you and I have been divinely designed to feel a sense of ennui [minimum fulfillment and maximum unrest] when we are not functioning within our “high calling” or when we fail to stretch ourselves toward our God-given potential. (Philippians 3:14) 

There is so much Kingdom work to do…much more than we can imagine.

It is a satanic deception to procrastinate and remain idle until someone ‘tells you’ what specific work you should be doing as a dedicated ambassador of Christ.  Indeed, there are obvious clues we can glean from the manner in which Our King will eventually judge us all. Read the following scripture passage and carefully consider:

Matthew 25:34-40
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was hungry, and you gave me meat: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you took me in:
36 Naked, and you clothed me: I was sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave you drink?
38 When did we see you as a stranger, and took you in? or naked, and gave you clothing?
39 Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came unto you?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.

So what are you waiting for? There are hundreds of seniors in convalescent homes who would delight in having a visit from little-old-you!  Opportunities for Kingdom service abound: in prisons, juvenile detention centers, hospitals, hospices, community centers, social service agencies, our communities, our churches, etc.

The answer to the question posed earlier is an emphatic “NO.”  Even though we are human and subject to human emotions, Christians should not feel ennui…at least not for very long.  We can never afford to become self-absorbed since we have far too much service to execute for our King.  Every believer is divinely commissioned to be a proactive and empowered witness. (Acts 1:8) Christ will return soon, so get busy. (II Corinthians 4:3)

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!