Becoming Lazy

Becoming Lazy

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews 6:11–12

God’s blessings don’t come to those who are sleepy and lazy. Solomon didn’t mean to prohibit work when he said that the Lord gives food to those he loves while they sleep (Psalm 127:2). He wanted to say that we should have peaceful, rested consciences. Work shouldn’t disturb the restful sleep God gives to those who have faith and confidence in him. We should have peace of mind and clear consciences. Christ says, “Do not worry about tomorrow. . . . Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). Don’t create your own unhappiness. Sleep well, and don’t ask, “What shall we eat? . . . What shall we drink?” (Matthew 6:31).

I don’t mean people should be lazy loafers. They should work. God doesn’t give his blessings to those who are lazy and lie around snoring. He wants our sinful natures to be controlled and killed. As Paul says, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

Although it is God’s blessing that brings us what we need, not our work, God still wants us to do our duty and work diligently at the jobs we are called to do. That way we’ll get our exercise so that we don’t become lazy. As a non-Christian poet once said, “By nature all people would prefer not to work and would like to do what they want.” We can’t give in to loafing and laziness. Instead, we should work diligently and faithfully to do what is required of us. Even in times of hardship, exhausting work, and persecution, we should wait cheerfully for the Lord’s blessing.