LAZINESS
For even when we were with you, we
commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 2
Thessalonians 3:10
Many
people never stop to realize that laziness is a sin. But slothfulness is like
any other landmine in that it can hurt or destroy us. To be constantly idle and
fruitless is contrary to God's teachings. And anything that goes against His
Word is a sin. In the parable of the talents, Jesus said of the servant who had
buried his master's money, “You wicked, lazy servant!” The Lord put wickedness
and slothfulness in the same undesirable category.
- The book of Proverbs gives us a description of the lazy person.
- First, he is a procrastinator - somebody who puts off what needs to be done.
- Second, he uses any excuse he can to avoid work.
- Third, he wastes time.
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And finally, a slothful person is
neglectful and careless regarding what is going on around him.
Laziness
does not fit who we are as believers. God expects us to live purposefully and
work conscientiously. Consistent poor performance damages our testimony as
children of God. The Bible says “like a bad tooth and an unsteady foot is
confidence in a faithless man in time of trouble" (Proverbs 25:19). A
lazy, untrustworthy person leaves tasks unfinished and, as a result, is a poor
witness for Christ. Unbelievers will not see anything in that kind of life that
they would desire for themselves.
Everything
we do, we should do it as if doing for the Lord. No matter the work you do, the
Lord is interested in your productivity. He has promise to reward us for every
good thing we do. Don't allow laziness to prevent you from achieving your full
potential. Rise up and apply yourself to your work. Hard work is the surest
route to success.
Prayer: Ask the Lord to give you the grace
to be fervent in spirit and diligent in all your work.
Scriptural Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
