Laziness can feel good and wise at the time can’t it? But is it foolish?

PROVERBS 26:14
As a door turns on its hinges,
so a sluggard turns on his bed.

When I was a kid my friends and I would talk about what animal we would like to be. Tigers were popular. Eagles, dolphins, probably a horse in there.

I don’t recall anyone ever picking the slug.

Slugs are not the most inspiring of animals are they? Most people wouldn’t be keen on being known as having the qualities of a slug. The picture of the sluggard rolling back and forth on his bed without getting anywhere is hardly flattering.

Laziness can feel good and wise at the time can’t it? I for one can testify that rolling around in bed seems very wise in the middle of winter! But really, the picture painted by this (really quite funny) proverb is one of misery and grief. Although laziness feels good, Jesus at the cross displays the beauty of expending himself, pouring himself out, for others, for us! But what makes this so wonderful is what he did that for. Jesus poured himself out in love for us.

Head: Why is a lazy life foolish? How does the cross of Jesus help us be wise in this area? Is wisdom found in just having a strong work ethic?

Heart: How do you feel about pouring yourself out for others? Do you feel it’s a good life or not?  Why do you feel that way? Does thinking about the cross impact how you feel?

Hands: If you are someone whose life is shaped by laziness, what is a situation today that you can give of yourself to encourage or simply help someone else? If you are a hard worker, take some time to rest – perhaps to recharge or to spend with people you love to show you value them and to encourage them.

Prayer: Heavenly Father I give you thanks that Jesus didn’t hold anything back but gave himself for me. Forgive me for when I’ve been lazy, putting feeling comfortable before seeking the good of others. Please give me wisdom to want good things for other people and strengthen me to work towards that. In Jesus’ Name Amen.

A song to listen to: Jesus Paid it All

Ryan Dehnert

This Grow Daily was originally posted as part of the Must See Passages series in 2016. During the School Holidays we take the opportunity to look back at the best of Grow Dailys over the years.