“A sluggard buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth.”
Now that is lazy. Actually there has to be a worse word to describe this degree of laziness. I’m not sure if I should chuckle at the image this verse calls to mind or be deeply saddened. I actually vacillate between both. But truly, can you imagine someone trying to lift a spoon of ice cream to their mouth but giving up because it’s just to much work. I’m sure most everyone reading this devotion has no trouble eating. Like me a few might need encouragement to not eat so much. If eating was the only issue the usefulness of this verse would be very limited. However, Solomon’s point is much broader than just eating. There are numerous areas where only giving a half effort or even less can make a difference in achieving God’s high calling in all of our lives. How devoted we are to scripture and actively digging into it can be an area where Biblical laziness results in stunted spiritual growth. Perhaps too much time and resources pursuing leisure rather than having a balance between leisure and active service is another area. If I list all of them I’m in danger of leaving out what the Holy Spirit would reveal. Suffice it to say that although balance is critical to a well lived life it is very easy to slip to the side of neglecting Kingdom activities. Today evaluate the areas where you may allow a bit of laziness a foothold. #BeTheEdge
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV
