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Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life.

1 Thessalonians 4:11

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A Warning against Slothfulness -- Matthew 25:19-30

In Matthew 25, Jesus called the lazy servant “wicked” (v. 26) and “worthless” (v. 26). That was a very strong rebuke, and we must take heed that Jesus considers slothfulness evil. So what is God's description of a person who is slothful? What does a lazy person look like?

[1.] The first word that describes slothfulness is REBELLION (Eph. 2:8-10).

Though we do not serve God in order to earn our salvation, our service to God shows our thankfulness and obedience to Him. It is the will of God that His children live a productive life. If we refuse to carry out the works God has called us to do, then we are rebelling against God. Slothfulness is a sin of rebellion.

[2.] The second word that describes slothfulness is WASTEFULNESS (1 Cor. 12:7).

God gifts us in many ways, and He calls us to do certain jobs. It is our personal responsibility – as good stewards of those spiritual gifts – to use them for His glory. Rather than serve our own interests, we help one another. Unfortunately, slothful people are very self-centered and waste their gifts on mundane things that have no real value for the kingdom of God.

[3.] The third word that describes slothfulness is SELFISHNESS (Phil. 2:3-4).

People who are lazy are not concerned with the needs of others – they only care about their own desires. They prefer to steal and take advantage of others in order to get what they want, instead of working for it honestly. However, to honor God, we must deal honorably with others.

[4.] The fourth word that describes slothfulness is VIOLATION (Col. 3:23-24).

We are to honor God with everything we do. We have a responsibility to do our work with diligence, integrity, creativity, and energy because we are representing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Therefore, let us serve conscientiously with the knowledge that we are pleasing God. Even if our employer does not reward us in the way we would like, God will.

Proverbs 26:16 tells us that, “The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a discreet answer.” This is the main problem with the slothful person – he thinks he has all the answers. He thinks he can handle everything, but he really cannot handle anything. Slothful people are always deceiving themselves about their own abilities and wisdom.

In reality, slothful people are foolish and very shortsighted. Instead of preparing for the future, they only worry about today. They have no sense of direction, and they do not try to accomplish anything – not even for their own survival. They do not try to do the will of God because they believe it takes too much energy to serve God. They are just doing whatever it takes to get them through life.

Therefore, avoid being slothful and serve the Lord with humility and enthusiasm. Then, you will hear the Master say to you, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:23). That is certainly better than the alternative!

From "The Charles Stanley Life Principles Daily Bible - Biblical Principles for Each Day of the Year" New American Standard Bible, page 179

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