OCTOBER 09: THE SIN OF LAZINESS

Today, we will be talking about laziness. Laziness is unwillingness to work to support yourself and others who depend of you. It is characterized by idleness and procrastination, making excuses to avoid work. Scriptures admonish us not to be slothful and I Timothy 5:8 tells us that a man who does not provide for his family is worse than an unbeliever. Laziness is a sin and it displeases God. In one of our passages today, God points our attention to a tiny creature whose industry is noteworthy and of the dangers of laziness.

We see ants everywhere and to us they are a nuisance, busybodies who show up where they are not invited. They go around foraging for food, not just for immediate consumption but to store for a time when food will be hard to come by. In the parable of the Talents, the servant with one talent was described by his Master as a wicked and LAZY servant (Mathew 25:26). God our father is a God of industry and He wants us to be like Him (Ephesians 5:1).

There is always something we can do to earn a living and help take care of ourselves instead of making ourselves a burden to others. Laziness will ultimately lead to poverty, a situation that can make one a destitute. When we are not working hard, we cannot earn enough to take care of our needs and other responsibilities with something extra to put away for a rainy day. As we get older, our abilities and opportunities to work decrease and if we have nothing put away we may become destitute, looking for others to show us mercy. There is a proverb in one of our local languages that says, “work does not kill, it is poverty that kills”.
Another one says, “hardwork is the antidote for poverty”. Laziness, lack of industry is a sin. God has given every man resources and opportunities to work. When we fail to use them profitably, making excuses about why we cannot, we displease Him and we will give account to Him on the last day. Industry is an attribute of God. God worked to create all that we see and enjoy today. He is still at work and is pleased when we work hard and are productive members of His household. By so doing, we bring Him glory and He blesses our labour so that we continue to be a blessing, contributing to the work of His Kingdom.

Prayers: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your word that cleanses and prunes us so that we can bring forth fruits to Your glory. Forgive for every time I waste the gifts and opportunities You have given me through laziness. Help and strengthen me Holy Spirit to be hard working so that I may be a productive member of Your household and a blessing to the Kingdom. Amen.