Proverbs 18:9 – “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.” NKJV

The Bible teaches, and experience confirms that prodigality is bad.  If we remember the parables of the talents, we realize that mishandling or not developing that which God has given is viewed negatively by the LORD.  Some people spend more than they can afford and always seek to live well above their means.  They are not good stewards and, in a sense, throw away what they have in wasteful living.  That is the Prodigal. 

The Bible also reveals that idleness is bad.  A person who is lazy and negligent in their work, labor, or duties is akin to those who openly and actively destroy.  Laziness is not just a propensity to avoid work it is destructive.  Torpidity siphons from that which is productive and squanders it on that which is unproductive.  It is visible in today’s ‘entitlement mentality’ crowd who are perfectly content to sit idle and allow the production of another to sustain them.  No wonder the apostle Paul declared that if one “would not work” they “should not eat”.  The operative word is Would Not!

This is true in the everyday matters of life, but it can and should also be applied to the spiritual.  If we are negligent in our studies, prayers, and labors for the Kingdom we adopt a life that is non-productive and even destroys.  If we see evil and danger and sit idly by, we are guilty of the blood of those who go into perdition without warning.  If we know to do good and fail to do it the Bible calls that sin.  How can we stand before the LORD expecting to hear commendation and acceptance when we have neglected that which we know?

Laziness or slothfulness is not a genetic or even a condition of one’s environment, it is a heart and mind condition.  Children need to be taught industry. My heritage taught me that you work for what you receive except for salvation. 

Grace is a free gift but if after receiving grace we sit idle and become slothful in our Christian responsibilities we are trampling underfoot the Blood of Jesus.  We do not work to earn our salvation, but we work because of our salvation.  I believe that Jesus’ statement in Revelation is applicable.  “I would that you were hot or cold but because you are lukewarm, I will spew you out of my mouth.” 

God is not asking everyone to be fanatical zealots.  He is asking that we bloom where we are planted and stand ready and willing to share our faith and present Him to the world.  The depraved man will be bent toward laziness and slothfulness but when the Holy Spirit resides in the heart, He always motivates us to action.

God bless you as you go through this day!