Slothfulness is identified as one of the seven deadly sins. It is destructive, reduces spiritual potential, diminishes God’s blessings, and drives a wedge in relationships with God and others. The Bible defines two types of sin. There are sins of commission, which involve sins we willingly and knowingly commit against God’s directives. And there are sins of omission, which involve “not doing” things we could have and should have done. The sins of omission may be more prevalent than the ones we knowingly commit. Slothfulness is a sin of omission. When we put things off that we know we should do, procrastinate, it’s a form of slothfulness. Many things cause us to procrastinate. For example, indecision about a job, move, relationship, etc. will cause us to make no decision at all. Wanting things to be perfect before we move forward in some area of life causes procrastination. Fear will keep a person from doing what needs to be done. Anger can promote passive behavior. A person simply won’t do “whatever” because they don’t like being told what to do. Others just can’t stand the pain they will need to endure to make a gain. No pain, no gain, it’s not just a saying! It’s NOT easier to avoid or ignore something that needs to be done. It simply makes the situation bigger, harder, and more difficult to manage. Opportunities slip away. Relationships fall apart because of slothfulness, procrastination. Thomas Edison said, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Can I get an “AMEN”!

Scriptures – Proverbs 1:7; James 4:17, 1:8; Ecclesiastes 11:4; Proverbs 29:25, 18:9, 13:4, 15:19, 20:4, 22:13; Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 13:16; Galatians 6:9; Proverbs 27:1

Verse – If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (Js 4:17) Lazy people always want things but never get them. Those who work hard get plenty. (Pr 13:4)

Thought – So how do we avoid slothfulness? REVOLT! Resist excuses. Benjamin Franklin said, “People who are good at making excuses are rarely good at anything else.” Engage your fears. Identify what is holding you hostage and deal with it! Our #1 fear is often the fear of failure. You can’t fail if you don’t start, but you also can’t succeed! Visualize a plan for progress. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Overcome the pain by Looking at the gain. Look at the ultimate goal. Nothing worthwhile just happens. Today is the day, not next month, next week or next Monday! Get Started!

Questions – What opportunities have you missed because of indecision? In what area of life are you most likely to be slothful? Why? Does fear cause you to procrastinate? If so, fear of what? How are relationships affected by slothfulness? How do you navigate relationships when your job and responsibilities eat up your energy and you have nothing left for family and friends and maybe even God? What have you been putting off? What are you going to do now?

Response – Identify the things you have been putting off. Decide what you need to tackle first. Follow the steps above in “Thought” and stop procrastinating. Get your plan in place and proceed.

Prayer – Gracious God, keep me from growing tired of doing good. Keep my eyes on the goal, whatever it may be. May your strength and power work in and through me so I can accomplish the things you have for me to do. May I honor you through my life and my work. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen!