No Lazy People Allowed!

(Prov 19:24 CEV) Some people are too lazy to lift a hand to feed themselves.

This morning we continue in the book of Proverbs. Here Solomon goes back to another reoccurring theme of his writings: a call against laziness! In this verse Solomon expresses his disdain for laziness with a bit of exaggeration. It would be hard to find someone who would rather allow themselves to starve than to eat the food that is right in front of them. But the point is that we should not be lazy. Our God expects us to work hard and once we do, He will bless what we have done.

Have you ever met someone who wants lots of things? I know quite a few people who spend countless hours a day daydreaming about the person they would like to be or the things they would like to have. Daydreaming, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. I believe God wants us to dream big dreams. But just know that it will take time, energy, and lots of effort to see the dreams manifested. God is not in the business of giving lazy people freebies. If God rewarded laziness He would be giving sluggards motivation to remain in their lethargic state. No! God will work with you and bless the work of your hands, but that means you have to give Him something to bless.

This truth is taught over and over again. Solomon also said: "Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave... If you are lazy, you will never get what you are after, but if you work hard, you will get a fortune" (12:24&27). "People who refuse to work want things and get nothing. But the longings of people who work hard are completely satisfied" (13:4). "He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth" (Prov 10:4). And Jesus said, "My Father is always working, and so am I" (John 5:17). And believe me, there are many, many more.

So what does this mean to you? It means you should get back to the basics:

1. Be self-motivated: When David was in a terrible situation and he had no one to encourage him, he "Encouraged himself in the Lord his God" (1st Sam 30:6). Learn how to tap into the Joy of the Lord, which is your strength (Neh 8:10). If you are a Born-Again believer, then God is with you 24 hours a day. He should be all the motivation you need to get done all that you need to get done every day. Walk with Him and allow Him to lead you as you work diligently daily!

2. Don't allow rest to turn into laziness: You need rest. I have learned that rest is spiritual. If you are not careful you can get burned-out. So rest long enough to get rejuvenated, restored, and revived, but then get back to work. Rest too long and you will lose your passion and drive.

3. Remember you represent God: Paul said, "Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" (1st Cor 10:31). We are walking/talking billboards for Christ. We are called to represent Him daily. But when you are lazy, slothful, and a procrastinator, you are sending the wrong message about God and His people. Instead of drawing others to God you might actually be a stumbling block. Remember this as you start this day. You may be the only Bible someone reads.

4. Remember the law of sowing and reaping: Ants work hard in one season so they can enjoy the fruit of their labor in another season. Everything in the Kingdom of God works by sowing and reaping. No farmer plants today with an expectation to reap today. There will be a period of time between sowing and reaping, so even if it looks like your hard work is not being noticed or rewarded, don't get frustrated, your harvest is coming. Just remain diligent, dedicated, and faithful. Our God (the Lord of the Harvest) will see to it that you reap what you sow.

Father, I declare, by faith, that I am motivated from the inside out! I thank You for the many mentors, teachers, instructors, preachers, Pastors, family and friends You have blessed me to learn from. But I declare that I have the internal motivation to get things done daily, even in the absence of external motivation. I overcome laziness, slothfulness, and procrastination. You provide me with all the motivation I need! In enter this day with an unwavering determination to glorify You in all that I do! Use me Lord as an example of Your Goodness in the earth! In Jesus' name. Amen!