What is laziness in general?
- Laziness is quite literally an addiction which is never satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4 “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.”
Spiritual idleness/laziness vs spiritual diligence
- Spiritual diligence is where our calling comes from!
- God calls us to have diligence in chasing after relationship with Him, diligence in sharing that relationship with others, and diligence in operating within our specific/individual callings.
Hebrews 6:10-12 “10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. 11 We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. 12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”
What are the results of spiritual laziness?
1. Lack of knowledge
2. Apathy towards God
3. Lack of preparation for Jesus’ return
Physical idleness/laziness vs diligence
Consequences of physical laziness:
- Lack of resources (resources we may need to do what God has called us to)
Ecclesiastes 10:18 “Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks.” This is NOT a dig against the church building.
Proverbs 10:4 “Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.”
Proverbs 21:25 “The craving of a sluggard will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.”
2. Poor witness
2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 “7 We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.””
Rest vs laziness
Two sides of the issue:
- When does too much rest become laziness?
- When am I trying to avoid laziness so much that I never rest?
Romans 12:11 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
1. I will commit to spiritual diligence to further my relationship with Jesus.
2. I see the effects of physical idleness in my life/around me and will strive for diligence.
3. I will prayerfully consider whether I am resting properly.
