THE SINFULNESS OF SLOTHFULNESS

Henry Ford once said, “There is no place in civilization for the idler. None of us has any right to ease. Work is our sanity, our self-respect, our salvation. Through work and work alone may health, wealth and happiness inevitably be secured.” I would say that the sin of slothfulness which is also called laziness has done as much to populate hell as any vicious sin you could name. It seems so harmless, so innocent, and yet its venom is more deadly to the spirit of man than some of the most hideous sins. It is sinful to be lazy, God frown about it and it displeases Him to see a (wo)man He created playing idle. In case you have nothing doing, you are living contrary to God’s will. He said, “Whatsoever your hand finds doing, do it with your mind…” – Eccl. 9:10. The Book of Proverbs is full of harsh words against the slothful and sluggard. For laziness prevents us from being loving. Love requires commitment and work, and those who are lazy are seldom willing to expend that kind of energy. Lazy people think love is just something that happens. Love to them is like an accident. Love is what one will do to make the other person happy and fulfilled. Love must be expressed in words and deeds if it is to be revitalized and grow.

Slothfulness keeps us from being diligent. Menander of Athens said, “He who labors diligently need never despair; for all things are accomplished by diligence and labor.” It keeps us from teaching a Bible class, being a soul winner, taking part in the worship services, being on a visitation team, growing in Christ by reading the Bible, spending time in prayer, and attending fellowship meetings where we can meet the right people, etc. it also keeps us from being joyful. Many Christians have just enough Christianity to make them miserable, but not enough to make them joyful. James Stalker said: “Joy is not only an occasional privilege, but a constant duty—‘Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice.’

If you complain about your want, it is because you have not found something doing, for if you find work, you will meet your needs. Maybe unemployment rate keep increasing in your area, never mind, just look out for a problem to solve in that vicinity with whatever skills, talents or education you have. If you are busy for a cause, you will not only meet your needs, you will create opportunities for others. You are born and called for a cause, don’t be a curse.

Word Affirmation: “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." - Psalm 1:3 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“ If you complain about your want, it is because you have not found something doing, for if you find work, you will meet your needs. "

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