The Problem of Laziness

READ | Proverbs 6:9-11

The book of Proverbs has much to say about people who are lazy. They are regarded as sluggards who do not think beyond today (20:4), who wrongly consider themselves wise (26:16), and who are on a path leading to future poverty.

When people develop a habit of laziness, they tend to offer excuses—such as “I was too tired” or “I ran out of time.” They will avoid doing something they don’t like, even if it is their responsibility, and instead do only what pleases them. Sadly, individuals who act this way have trouble seeing clearly what they are doing wrong, and they find criticism unreasonable (Prov. 26:16). Though such men and women might think that their self-centeredness slips by unnoticed, it is usually evident to others.

People may fool themselves, but God, who sees poor attitudes and careless ways, is not pleased by shoddy efforts. He has prepared work for us to do and expects it to be handled conscientiously. The Lord knows that the consequences of laziness are serious: at work, there is the possibility of frequent criticism, probation, or even termination; at home, harsh words can add tension to the atmosphere as frustration builds; and in a “trickle-down effect,” children may copy their parents’ undesirable work habits.

If you are already a disciplined worker but must interact with people who are not, continue to please the Lord with your productiveness. In addition, pray for patience (Gal. 5:22), and be an example of Christ to those around you.


From: InTouch - Early Light Devotionals

The Proper Perspective

Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ . . . — 2 Corinthians 2:14


The proper perspective of a servant of God must not simply be as near to the highest as he can get, but it must be the highest. Be careful that you vigorously maintain God’s perspective, and remember that it must be done every day, little by little. Don’t think on a finite level. No outside power can touch the proper perspective.

The proper perspective to maintain is that we are here for only one purpose— to be captives marching in the procession of Christ’s triumphs. We are not on display in God’s showcase— we are here to exhibit only one thing— the "captivity [of our lives] to the obedience of Christ" ( 2 Corinthians 10:5 ). How small all the other perspectives are! For example, the ones that say, "I am standing all alone, battling for Jesus," or, "I have to maintain the cause of Christ and hold down this fort for Him." But Paul said, in essence, "I am in the procession of a conqueror, and it doesn’t matter what the difficulties are, for I am always led in triumph." Is this idea being worked out practically in us? Paul’s secret joy was that God took him as a blatant rebel against Jesus Christ, and made him a captive— and that became his purpose. It was Paul’s joy to be a captive of the Lord, and he had no other interest in heaven or on earth. It is a shameful thing for a Christian to talk about getting the victory. We should belong so completely to the Victor that it is always His victory, and "we are more than conquerors through Him . . ." ( Romans 8:37 ).

"We are to God the fragrance of Christ . . ." ( 2 Corinthians 2:15 ). We are encompassed with the sweet aroma of Jesus, and wherever we go we are a wonderful refreshment to God.



From: RBC - Utmost For His Highest

Surrender?

"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish."
- John 6:9 (NIV)


I wonder how the story of feeding five thousand would have turned out if the boy had said, "I won't give you all of my lunch, but I will give you half." Would there even be a story? Part of what we learn from the passage is that the boy gave everything he had. In giving all the food he had, the boy and the others got more than enough to eat.

Sometimes when I think I've given a situation to God, I realize that I've held on to a corner of it until I see how things will turn out. The truth is that God can't work freely in my life until I surrender - all my circumstances.

It's good to give a tenth of my income to God, but one hundred percent belongs to God. It's good to give a seventh of my time to God, but all of it is God's. Everything is. When I get clear on that, I find that there is more than enough to go around - enough time, enough food, enough love, enough everything. God is enough.


Prayer
Almighty God, I give you my life, my all. Do with it what you will, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.


From: UpperRoom Devotionals - Carolyn Caldwell

THINK ON THESE THINGS

"Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8

Many thoughts invade our minds to our dismay and regret. Satan infiltrates our mind with vain thoughts, and if encouraged by our imagination, run rampart on a disastrous moral course. Paul challenges us to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).

David was a victim of yielding to his vain lustful thoughts that was the cause of his fearful fall. His idleness opened the door to temptation, as he strolled onto his porch and saw Bathsheba taking a bath. The beauty of her body stimulated lustful desires, and David began to plan the adultery. He was not in control of his thoughts, but was receptive to Satan's cunning and insidious ways. The consequences of his sin left scars on his life ever afterward.

Paul recognizes the frailty and weakness of our mind to be easily influenced and persuaded to yield to our fallen nature, and subtly attracted to fleshly desires, and those actions that appeal to our ego and self-gratification. He says in so many words, "Don't be carried away by your imagination, don't let your base nature run its course, which seeks to exalt and crave those things that satisfy our selfish nature." Paul says, "Cast down imaginations," turn from the alluring attractions that have but shallow earthly values and of no eternal value. They are deceiving, disarming, and detrimental to your spiritual journey. He challenges us to think clearly, soberly, and godly...and admonishes us to focus our minds on things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, things of virtue and praise. THINK ON THESE THINGS!

WHY? Because those malicious thoughts exalt themselves against the knowledge of God and lead us away from all God wants to do in and through our lives. You might say, "I think I can handle my thoughts. I'm the master of my ship, no one is going to control my thinking." Paul said, "Wherefore let him that thinketh he stand, take heed lest he fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12). Satan's approach is to make us think WE can handle whatever we encounter in OUR strength. We must realize we are up against an enemy that is greater, wiser, stronger, more powerful, and more determined than we are, and his chief end is our defeat and destruction.

We need to be discerning in this liberal free-thinking world, where man puts SELF on the throne of his life, where Christ has been destined to rule as LORD. We are lulled to sleep, not realizing "our heart is deceitful above all things, who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9), "...for out of the heart proceed evil thoughts" (Matthew 15:19). From the evil promptings of our heart proceed our thoughts that control our attitude, and our attitude controls our actions.

Paul says we must engage these destructive thoughts and CAST THEM DOWN, bring them under control by the power of the Holy Spirit. Think on things that will be uplifting, productive, stimulating, positive, encouraging, and glorifying to God. Seek to have the "mind of Christ," so we will walk in obedience to Christ.

David said, "I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned to your statues. I will hasten and not delay to obey your commands" (Psalm 119:58-60).



From: Literature International Ministry - Ed Powell