October 13 | Overcoming Laziness
Proverbs 18:9, “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”
Laziness is a form of rebellion and disobedience to God because it leads to neglect and destruction. Today’s passage makes it clear; when you’re lazy you will destroy things in your life. Though many people work hard at their jobs and are at times overwhelmed with family matters at home, we should never be too busy to do the things of God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
There are many good things to do in life, but God’s Kingdom must always come first and be the center of all we do.
For example, personal prayer and Bible reading is a must everyday. If you think you’re too busy to pray and study God’s Word you’re deceived- the truth is you’re too busy in life not to pray and seek God’s Word for His council. Lacking prayer and Bible reading in your life will result in spiritual destruction. John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement said, “Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.” In other words, it’s good to be busy, but we should take control of our schedule and never be rushed or neglectful of important things like church, outreach, Bible study, family devotions and the like. Think of it this way, you can go to hell with a great job, 401k and family vacations. But those who serve God will have heaven on earth both now and in the age to come.
The author of Hebrews wrote, “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25). We should never stop going to church and doing good works, but rather as Christians we should spur each other on to good works as we see Jesus’ second coming getting closer.
No one will be able to use the excuse of being too busy or tired on Judgment Day. Jesus will judge and examine all our works by fire and only that which was done in obedience to God will be rewarded (1 Corinthians 3:13). John Wesley said, “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” Is what you’re living for, worth Christ dying for?
In Revelation we get a picture of what Jesus’ judgment will be like as we read the report He gave the church in Ephesus. He blessed them for their hard work and dedication to His Kingdom by saying in Revelation 2:3, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.” However, He also corrected and warned them by saying, “4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Revelation 2:4-5). Therefore, in your times of weakness call out to God for His strength and He will give you the power to overcome laziness. Keep your first love for God first in your life!
The solution to laziness is both spiritual and physical. First, spiritually, ask the Holy Spirit to motivate you and strengthen you to do all that God has commanded- you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Second, physically, use self-discipline to organize your life in such a way that you have time for sleep, work, church, family time, exercise, devotions, etc. Be mindful of the time you give things like TV, social media and the like; don’t waste your time because you’ll never get it back. Paul said in Ephesians 5:16, “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
If you have been lazy, pray this out loud, “Father, please forgive me for neglecting your commands. Give me the strength and wisdom to organize my life to please you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Reflection
Have you neglected keeping God’s commands due to laziness?
Action
- Repent if you have been lazy or neglectful of God’s commands.
- Pray and ask God for wisdom to organize your life with “Kingdom Business” first and at the center of all you do.
- Avoid wasting time.