When thinking about what I should write this week, I heard in my spirit the words “don’t sit down” and my understanding of those words was to not become idle or lazy by sitting down and avoid doing what needs to be done! I’m sure I’m not the only one who has ever done that! Ugh. God’s words didn’t mean I shouldn’t sit down and rest a few minutes if needed. What He meant was that I (we) should not become idle and avoid what needs to be done.

Proverbs 13:4  “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.”

Usually, a person avoids or procrastinates responsibilities they don’t enjoy doing or feel overwhelmed. But that’s no excuse and certainly not a reason. Please understand that we are talking about the habit of idleness that keeps us from fulfilling the will of God for our lives.

Laziness and idleness both lead to lukewarmness – which God despises (Revelation 3:15-16). Idleness, lukewarmness, excuses, indifference, complacency, can all lead to disobedience to God.

Complacency is being content in ourselves in what we consider to be our achievements, and hinders our relationship with God. But truthfully, we cannot achieve anything properly without His help, therefore everything we do should be done to bring glory to Him – not ourselves.

It’s been my observation that when a person is idle or just coasting, they have become lazy, lacking the vision for the purpose and calling God has for them. Let it be known now that God has a purpose and assignment(s) each day for us to complete. Our day-to-day responsibilities may differ but we will never complete those tasks if we just sit down and become disconnected from what God is telling us to do.

James 4:17  “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”

The only way we can really know what God has for us to do is to spend time in His presence listening for His voice. It is not enough to just hear His instructions we must obey them.

We are to be obedient in the least of things as well as those things we consider of more importance. And believe it or not, a day’s prompting may be very practical and come in the form of mowing the lawn, doing laundry, or cleaning the house etc. God knows what the next few days will demand of us and wants us to be free from unnecessary stress.

It is important to be obedient in every area of our lives – in our homes by ministering to our family, and in our church by serving and volunteering so our church can fulfill its purpose and calling. Too many today are complacent, idle, or just lazy in serving God – and this just shouldn’t be. If you are not sure where you are to serve, listen for inquiries for volunteers, pray and ask God – and then obey. God has a purpose and plan for your life.

This message is meant to spur us into self-examination of where we are in our walk with the Lord. Ask God to help you manage your time so you will not fall into the category of idleness, laziness, or complacency. I pray that your eyes of understanding are opened to your heart’s condition before God and that you will make any necessary changes that is needed to help you complete your race and purpose. Be blessed, and be a blessing.