There are not many problems more crippling to us, our families, and our congregations than laziness. Cambridge defines the word as “The quality of not being willing to work or use any effort.” Laziness is often compared to words like idleness, being a sluggard, or sloth. Today, someone who is lazy might also be called a “couch potato.” The point is, laziness is not a positive adjective. It is sin, and it should not be seen in the life of someone who calls themselves a Christian.
When Solomon advised his son concerning the topic, he said, “Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8). After a quick look at the ant, it becomes clear that they are the opposite of lazy. They walk 2-3 miles a day, dragging food up to 50 times their body weight. They are also building colony walls, protecting the nest, feeding their young, and storing up enough food to last them through the winter. If the ant were lazy, it would lack food, shelter, and protection. The ant colony would die. The same can be said of the lazy.
As Solomon continues this warning, he said, “How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? ‘A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest’ – Your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man” (Proverbs 6:9-11). How often do we say, “Just one more hour of sleep?” How often do we justify another episode of a show, another couple of minutes on social media, just one more video game, or another weekend for me and my hobbies, all while the Lord’s work is left undone or done in a way that is not our best effort? There is nothing wrong with rest or even some of the things we get to enjoy on this earth, but we must ask ourselves, am I being lazy? Is the quality of our efforts being wasted on that which is useless while the Lord’s work is neglected? As we reflect on our lives, may we always decide to be ants for God, His kingdom, and His people. May we work hard for our God who has done so much for us.
-Bryce Mayfield