Posts Tagged ‘laziness’

Labor Day Logic

Monday, September 5th, 2011

Speaking of labor, here’s a tidbit of logic that proves true in every realm of life: “Laziness leads to a sagging roof; idleness leads to a leaky house” (Ecclesiastes 10:18).

Saggy roof, leaky house

Homeowners understand this verse’s relevancy. If we don’t care for our houses, they’ll fall into disrepair, right? But the principle behind this verse applies to other things as well…

  • Marriage. Keeping it healthy and vibrant takes effort. Laziness in this relationship leads to a lousy relationship or another statistic in the divorce court.
  • Parenting. Be involved in the kids’ lives, volunteer in their schools whenever possible, know who their friends are. Be aware of what they’re watching on TV, the lyrics they’re listening to, and what they’re doing on the internet.
  • Health. Laziness in this context leads to sagging body parts! Get off the couch and take a brisk walk or buy (and use!) a gym membership. ‘Nuff said.
  • Work. Who’s gonna get axed first when cutbacks come?
  • Dreams. We might entertain lofty dreams of what we hope to own or accomplish someday, but those dreams will never be fulfilled if we don’t work towards them.

As summer ends and the season changes, real life begins again. Let’s guard against laziness and idleness, and let’s be diligent about every aspect of our lives. For me, this means returning to regular gym workouts after a summer away due to ministry overseas, being laid up for a week, and spending a week on a houseboat with my family. How about you?

Question for you: Has laziness or idleness crept into your life? If so, how has it impacted you? What changes must you make as a result?

Photo courtesy: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photo-abandoned-house-rimagefree1815616-resi3440358

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Reluctant Warriors

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

You know what baffles me? That God invites humans to participate with Him in building His kingdom. Does He really need our help? I doubt it – He can do anything He chooses whenever He chooses in whatever manner He chooses. Why He entrusts us with such a responsibility and allows us the privilege to partner with Him is beyond me, but clearly He wants us to be actively involved in some way.

This morning I read about the battle involving Sisera, the commander of King Jabin’s army. Judges 5:13-15 speaks of various tribes of people marching down against the mighty warriors. But then the tone changes. Verses 15b-17 say, “But in the tribe of Reuben there was great indecision. Why did you sit at home among the sheepfolds – to hear the shepherds whistle for their flocks? In the tribe of Reuben there was great indecision. Gilead remained east of the Jordan. And Dan, why did he stay home? Asher sat unmoved at the seashore, remaining in his harbors. But Zebulun risked his life, as did Naphtali, on the battlefield.”

It’s clear that God wanted the people’s involvement in fighting this battle. Some, like the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali, chose to go; others chose to stay. What kept the latter from participating?

  • Indecision
  • Complacency – contented with the norm
  • Fear – remaining in the harbors where it was safe
  • Maybe even laziness? – sitting unmoved at the seashore

Verse 23 really grabs me: “‘Let the people of Meroz be cursed,’ said the angel of the Lord. ‘Let them be utterly cursed because they did not come to help the Lord, to help the Lord against the mighty warriors.’”

Again – did God really need the people’s help in fighting this battle? I don’t think so. But He wanted their participation. He wanted them to get involved.

There’s a spiritual battle going on in the world today. Satan is striving to steal and destroy  every man, woman, and child. God could wipe him out in a heartbeat. That time will come, but until then, we’re to go to battle. What’s stopping us? Indecision? Complacency? Fear? Maybe even laziness? I pray not!

“God, grant us eyes to see the world as You see it. Make us aware of the battle that rages to humanity’s souls. Give us Your fervor, Your passion for the lost. Grant us the courage to get involved wherever You direct us to go. May it not be said about us that we did not come to help You fight against the enemy. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

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