Lions And Laziness

The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road!Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”As a door swings back and forth on its hinges,so the lazy person turns over in bed.Lazy people take food in their handbut don’t even lift it to their mouth.

Proverbs 26:13-15

Laziness. It’s defined as “slow-moving, sluggish, idleness.” Procrastination is certainly a part of this. To procrastinate is to delay, to put off till another day or time. I have to tell you I hate it when I do that. Not that we are to be workaholics and consumed with busyness, but we are to be good stewards of the time and opportunities that the Lord has given to us.

God does care about how you spend your time, because not only has he numbered your days, but if you are a child of God, your life is not your own. First Corinthians 4:2 tells us, “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (NKJV).

So what is faithful? Faithful means “full of faith.” We need to have faith that God put us here on earth for a purpose. We can look at each day, each morning, excited. I look forward to getting out of bed and starting the day with God, reading his Word, connecting with him.

I keep a notepad by my journal. Often in my quiet time, I think of tasks that need to be accomplished. Instead of distracting me, I write them down, knowing that the Lord is ordering my steps. This helps me prioritize, gives me a plan, and a plan gets me going.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

“There’s a lion on the road.” Did you know that fear can paralyze us and keep us from getting started? Fear of failure convinces us it’s no use to go back to school—it’s too late, we can’t learn, we won’t finish. Fear convinces us that we can’t change; why even try something new? Is there a good desire that you keep pushing aside? It might be God stirring you, encouraging you to step out.

Let’s Pray

Lord, I don’t want to miss opportunities and blessings because of laziness and fear. Give me courage. Give me hope. And give me a firm nudge to move forward.

One Year Bible Reading

Jeremiah 49:23–50:46; Titus 1:1-16; Psalms 97:1–98:9; Proverbs 26:13-16