Sunday, November 12, 2017 pm
PROBLEMS CHRISTIANS FACE
Laziness
When we discuss problems we face as Christians, all we need to do is
look at society. Because
many of the things we struggle with are the same things those who are
not Christians struggle with.
We have emotional and mental struggles, behavioral struggles,
questions about our faith & the beliefs of others (i.e. answering
religious errors and misconceptions), and struggles with various
relationships.
From time to time, I want to address some of the problems we face as
Christians in each of these areas (in no particular order).
This year we have begun dealing with some of these things, by
studying about discouragement, pride, and worry.
These are mental struggles.
Today, I want to go in a different direction and discuss a
behavioral struggle – laziness.
First, let us notice that not everyone struggles with this, nor do those
who struggle with it do so on the same level as others.
In fact, in all of the problems we face and deal with, there are
those who do not have problems with a particular issue.
BUT, we all struggle with something, and most of us struggle with
MANY things. These lessons
are designed to help us identify some of these issues and learn how to
deal with them from God’s word.
a.
Defined – one who is
unwilling to work or use energy, despite one’s ability to do so.
This would apply either fully or partially (i.e. not giving your
full potential).
b.
Words used to describe
it, many in scripture – sluggard, complacency, lethargy, slumber,
lukewarm, idleness, etc.
c.
A problem in our society
- We have a society that in many ways rewards laziness.
It is tolerated among far too many communities, and often even in
the workplace, subpar work ethics are either tolerated or at times even
rewarded. Those striving to
give an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay are often frustrated
or discouraged, or sometimes even chided because they make the lazy look
bad.
d.
A problem in the church
as well. While laziness is
not endorsed per say, how much do we tolerate mediocrity and
indifference?
Neglected tasks – both
undone and subpar, failure to grow, etc.
Do we often procrastinate in doing what we should? Do we quit
before he finishes a task? Do we make excuses and talk about what we
want to do, but it’s all talk? Often
he is full of advice for others.
But his works follow him!
There may be many causes why we are not growing spiritually as we ought
to, but I ask – is laziness ONE of them?
We need to each take a look at ourselves and ask if this is
something we need to consider.
a.
God has always intended
that man work – even in the garden, prior to the fall, Adam had work to
do. Proverbs 14:23, “In all
labor there is profit…”
b.
The Book of proverbs
addresses laziness:
i.
Proverbs 12:24 – the
slothful will be under tribute.
He ends up being a beggar – Prov. 20:4
ii.
Proverbs 19:15 – it
leads to hunger and idleness.
Prov. 10:5 – he who sleeps in harvest causes shame.
Prov. 19:24 – he buries his head in a bowl and won’t even bring
the spoon to his mouth
iii.
Proverbs 12:27 – he is
often wasteful. He does not
roast what he took in hunting.
iv.
Proverbs 21:25 – he
dreams but does nothing, Prov. 13:4 – he desires, but has nothing.
v.
Proverbs 10:26 – as
vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, is the lazy man to him who
sends him. Prov. 15:19 describes
his way as a hedge of thorns.
I think of the one hired to do a job, but he doesn’t do it.
In time, he will be fired or face other consequences.
But he is also despised by his coworkers.
He has no integrity or honor because of his character.
Proverbs 18:9 – his brother is a great destroyer.
vi.
Proverbs 21:25-26 –
while he refuses to labor, he covets what others have.
Think of entitlements.
How many today want to punish or villainize the successful
business man. “He makes so
much and is not paying his fair share.”
There may be those who are wealthy who have managed to manipulate
the system, but that does NOT give the lazy man the right to envy him or
take from him.
vii.
Proverbs 24:30-34 – his
property is falling apart.
There is evidence of his sloth.
c.
The New Testament and
laziness
i.
The one talent servant –
Matthew 25:26, “You wicked and lazy servant.”
ii.
Colossians 3:23,
“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
This is the mantra of the Christian and his life.
We have noted on numerous occasions that the life of a Christian
is one of excellence and doing, rather than simply getting by.
Words like endeavoring, abounding, diligence, striving, reaching forward
and pressing toward the goal, discipline, temperance, etc. ALL point
toward a life that is excellent (which includes the word “excel”).
iii.
1 Thessalonians 4:10-11,
But we urge you, brethren, that
you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quiet life,
to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we
commanded you, that you may walk properly toward those who are outside,
and that you may lack nothing.
iv.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12,
For even when we were with you, we
commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For
we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner,
not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we
command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in
quietness and eat their own bread.
v.
1 Timothy 5:8, he who
fails to provide for his own household, “has denied the faith and is
worse than an unbeliever.”
vi.
1 Timothy 5:13 –
concerning younger widows remarrying, “And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house,
and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which
they ought not.
vii.
Hebrews 6:12,
that you do not become sluggish,
but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
d.
Thus we can see that
laziness is NOT to be a trait of a Christian.
So
what do we do about it?
a.
The challenge of this is
to overcome laziness requires that we NOT be lazy.
IOW, all the lectures and suggestions in the world require you to
do something contrary to laziness.
b.
Realize it is NOT a
disability, it is an attitude.
Think MINDSET.
Sees the reward in hard work – diligence brings wisdom and sweet sleep
(Eccl. 5:12);
He gets more done; can feel better about himself, he knows he is doing
his best and obeying God, etc.
He sees the damage of an unproductive and lazy life – see above.
c.
Proverbs and overcoming laziness:
i.
Proverbs 6:6-11 – go to
the ant. Learn from those
who are industrious. Not
many look to the lazy for inspiration.
We look to those who are successful.
ii.
Proverbs 14 23 – in all
labor there is profit. Don’t
just talk about it – GET TO WORK!
Proverbs 21:25 – there needs to be desire to work.
iii.
Proverbs 22:13 – says
there is a lion in the street – stop making excuses
d.
Diligence
– 2 Timothy 2:15, 2 Peter 1:5, etc. Again be reminded that everything
about the life of a Christian points toward diligence and giving our
best. Be reminded of our
need for self-discipline and self-control.
You’re NOT going to overcome laziness until to GET to work.
e.
Organization
– it’s about management.
If there is a practical suggestion in this –
find ways to be organized.
Sometimes laziness is the product of being overwhelmed.
We have too many irons in the fire, OR we have let the little
things go for so long, they are now monumental tasks.
Simplify your life – get rid of the clutter (clutter often overwhelms).
Plan your time and what you do.
Ephesians 5:15-16 tells us to redeem the time.
Be realistic in your goal setting – too easy and it becomes uninspiring,
too hard and it becomes overwhelming and discouraging.
Laziness is a problem in our society, and it may be a problem with some
of us. But it doesn’t have
to stay that way. If you
need to change, get to work.
Think about it.