Idleness or Diligence? - Part 2

Continued . . .

Idleness is a trait that can bear fruit to different areas of sin. In 1 Timothy 5:13, Paul tells of young widows who became idle: “At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busy bodies, talking about things not proper to mention.” One little step in the wrong direction leads even further down the path of sin.

Scripture also portrays the results of laziness and idleness. Though it may be pleasurable for a time, the lasting consequences are detrimental to all. “Laziness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle man will suffer hunger.” Proverbs 19:15 and “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.” Proverbs 10:4-5. However, diligence produces the “fruit of her hands” (Proverbs 31:31), which is pleasing to the Lord and a blessing to those who are around her.

As women striving for godliness, we should be cultivating diligence in our lives. Diligence is the opposite of laziness and idleness and it means “Steady application in business of any kind; constant effort to accomplish what is undertaken; exertion of body or mind without unnecessary delay or sloth; due attention; industry. Care; heed;” (taken from Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language).

But why is this important? Why should we keep going even when we don’t feel like it? Why not satisfy what we want? Because God has called us to something higher. He has called us to serve and minister to all those that we come into contact with. To care for the needs of our physical family and our spiritual family. Paul exhorts that “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Colossians 3:23-24.

Each dirty dish wiped, each floor vacuumed or swept, each meal given to a family in need, each smile given to a lonely soul, each time we pick up after our loved ones. Each and every task should be for Him. It is for Jesus that we labor and serve (Matthew 25:34-40).

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1

-Posted by Sarah