So how do we tackle our own laziness and send it packing?
Go to the ant, you sluggard;
consider its ways and be wise!
It has no commander,
no overseer or ruler,
yet it stores its provisions in summer
and gathers its food at harvest.
How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
(Proverbs 6 v 6-9)
Ever watched an ant at work? To make an ant-hill, each little piece of soil has to be carried by an ant to the top of the mound. That’s a huge number of trips up and down. And even though the ant has no boss keeping an eye on it, it doesn’t stop until the work is finished. God wants us to use our time wisely. That means working hard. It means doing stuff for other people, not just pleasing ourselves.
We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. (Hebrews 6 v 11-12)
We need to be diligent — making sure we live God’s way and don’t drift away. A good way of doing this and making sure you’re not a lazy Christian is to follow others’ examples. Think of Christians who’ve had a huge impact on your life. How do they stand out as Christians? How do they serve God? How can you follow their example?
The Bible's word on laziness is clear: Get up off the sofa and start serving God.
Martin Cole was a staff writer at The Good Book Company for many years working on Discover and Engage. He now works for a children's charity. Martin is married to Kirsty and has two children. He is a passionate lifelong supporter of Chesterfield FC.
