Do Not Be Lazy!

            Do you agree with me that our world is becoming more and more lazy everyday? We have stuff done for us. We hire maids to clean our houses for us and workers to wash our vehicles for us while we sit around and watch. I even saw a news report on TV where a bed makes itself automatically so we don’t have to.  Many kids are out for summer vacation now. They become lazy and just sit around, not being productive, and this can sometimes get them in trouble. People nowadays are selfish, only wanting to do things for themselves. Proverbs 12:24 says, “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.” The Holy Bible clearly addresses the issue of laziness many times.

            For example, in Matthew 25:14-30, it tells a parable including three servants. It begins when a master has to go away so he leaves his land with three of his trusted servants. He gave the 1^st servant five talents of money, the 2^nd servant two talents of money, and the 3^rd servant one talent of money.  The 1^st servant went away immediately and put his money to work and gained five more. The 2^nd servant did the same and gained two more. The 3^rd servant, with only one talent, went and dug a hole, hiding his master’s money. When the master returned, the 1^st servant showed what he had gained and his master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” He repeated the same to the 2^nd servant. When asked, the 3^rd servant told how he had hidden the money. The master replied, “You wicked, lazy servant! “ and continued, “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

            Does Matthew 25:14-30 describe a lazy person? Yes! The 3^rd servant caused trouble in the end because he was lazy. What you do now does impact your future, as proven in the parable. Which servant are you like?

            Most importantly, laziness keeps us from doing God’s will. He has a plan for us but will not force us to do so. The Great Commission in Matthew 28: 19-20 says:

“Therefore go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

            Some people might be thinking oh no… Does that mean we have to actually do work? Does that mean I have to give up my electronics? Does that mean I have to wake up earlier? Does that mean I have to give more of my money to God? We can’t be selfish or lazy and sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the Lord. Lastly, we need to warn lazy and idle Christians. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” Believe it or not, there are many inactive Christians around us everyday, especially at church. This is scary because when we are idle, Satan can attack us easier! We have to tell our fellow sisters and brothers in Christ, and stay active! Do not be lazy!