Look Out for Laziness!
by David Chadwick
The early church fathers tried to identify certain challenges that could kill the Christian life. They concluded the following needed to be addressed: wrath, greed, pride, lust, envy, gluttony, and sloth.
They called them “the seven deadly sins.”
Notice the last one mentioned: sloth. Its synonym is laziness. It is indeed deadly.
You were created to work. God called work very good (Genesis 1:31). Great satisfaction should come after a hard day’s work that produces satisfying results. God wanted you to be able to say very good about your work as well.
But most success requires hard work and few shortcuts.
When I was in seminary, I made an appointment with a very successful pastor of a large church. I wanted to ask him one question: Why was he so successful?
It was the first question I asked when I met with him. He smiled and motioned me to draw closer. He asked, “Do you really want to know why I’m successful?” With excitement, I nodded.
He responded very simply, “Hard work. I work very hard.”
Hard work is the opposite of laziness. Jesus knew of laziness’s dangers. In the parable of the talents, he condemned the servant who buried his talent. He called him “wicked and lazy” (Matthew 25:26). His talent was taken from him and given to another.
Solomon adjured his readers to look at and emulate the ant (Proverbs 6:6). In this tiny creature he saw the value of a strong and disciplined work ethic.
In your vocation, work faithfully. Give your boss a hard day’s work for your wages.
And look out for laziness. It is a deadly sin.
Jesus harshly condemned it. He doesn’t want it in your work life.
Nor should you.
Transform your perspective on work!
Don’t miss your chance to get David Chadwick’s inspiring series On the Job as our thank-you for your gift to share hope with more people!
Most of us go to work merely because we have to. But when you work as for the Lord, everything changes.
In this four-part audio series, you’ll discover:
- How your identity in Christ empowers you at work
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- How you can practically practice your faith at work
- How you can find that ever-elusive work-life balance
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