October 13 | Overcoming Laziness

Series | The Overcoming Life

Scripture | Proverbs 18:9, “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.”

Lesson 13 | Laziness, “I’m Too Tired”

Laziness is a form of rebellion and disobedience to God because it leads to neglect and destruction.  Though many people work hard at their jobs and are at times overwhelmed with family matters at home we should never be too busy to do the things of God.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  Thus, everything we do should be done in the order of “Kingdom Business” first.

For example, personal prayer and Bible reading is a must everyday.  If you think you’re too busy to pray and study God’s Word you’re deceived- the truth is you’re too busy in life not to pray and seek God’s Word for council!  John Wesley, the great Methodist leader said, “Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.”  In other words, its good to be busy, but we should take control of our schedule and never be rushed or neglectful of important things like church, outreach, Bible study, family devotions, and the like. 

The author of Hebrews wrote in Hebrews 10:24-25, “24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another —and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”  Therefore, we should never stop going to church and doing good works, but rather as Christians we should be spurring each other on as we see Jesus’ second coming getting closer.

The disciple of Christ will not be able to use the excuse of “business” and “being tired” on Judgment Day.  Jesus will judge and examine all our works by fire and only that which was done in obedience and dedication to God will be rewarded, 1 Corinthians 3:13.  As a result, we should do all the good we can, whenever we can, to all we can, and for as long as we can!

In Revelation we get a picture of this kind of judgment when Jesus examined the church of Ephesus.  He blessed them for their hard work and dedication to His Kingdom by saying in Revelation 2:3, “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”  In your times of weakness call out to God for His strength and He will give you the power to overcome laziness.

The solution to laziness is both spiritual and physical.  First, spiritually, God’s Holy Spirit and grace can motivate you and strengthen you to do all that God has commanded, Philippians 4:13. Second, physically, try to organize your life in such a way that you have time for sleep and a good diet.  Then be mindful of the time you give things like TV, the internet, and the like.  Paul said in Ephesians 5:16, “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

If you have been lazy, pray this out loud, “Lord, please forgive me for neglecting your commands.  Give me the strength and wisdom to organize my life to please you. Amen.”

   

Reflection | Have you neglected keeping God’s commands due to laziness?

Action | (1) Repent if you have been lazy or neglectful of God’s commands. (2) Pray and ask God for wisdom to re-organize your life with “Kingdom Business” first! (3) Lastly, do things in the physical to get proper rest and diet and do your best to avoid “time wasters.”  

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Jeremiah 22:1-23:20, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, Psalm 83:1-18, & Proverbs 25:11-14. Click here to read online.