Daily Devotion: God Expects Us To Be Diligent And Not Lazy by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 9:9-16 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; "
- Ecclesiastes 9:10a KJV

As believers, we are called to live a life of diligence and productivity, honoring God with our time, talents, and resources. However, the enemy of laziness often tempts us to shirk our responsibilities and indulge in idleness. In this devotional, we will explore the consequences of laziness and the biblical expectations for a life of purpose and fruitfulness.

The Consequences of Laziness

Proverbs 6:9-11 warns us, “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?  Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:  So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.” Laziness leads to poverty, scarcity, and a life of mediocrity. It also distances us from God and His purposes, as we neglect our duties and responsibilities.

God’s Expectations

In contrast, God expects us to be diligent and productive. Proverbs 10:4 declares, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” A life of laziness is characterized by a “slack hand,” while a life of diligence is marked by a “diligent hand” that yields great abundance.

A Call to Action

James 1:22 exhorts us, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” We must not only hear God’s Word but also apply it to our lives. This means setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and working diligently to achieve them.

Dependence on God

However, we must not rely solely on our own strength and motivation. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Our diligence and productivity must be rooted in dependence on God, seeking His guidance, strength, and empowerment.

A Life of Purpose

2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” As believers, we are called to be “workmen” who rightly divide God’s Word and apply its principles to our lives. This requires effort, dedication, and a willingness to be transformed by the power of God.

For Those That Refuse To Work

God knew that there would be people who are capable of working, but refuse to work. For those people God commands us in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Of coarse we are to care for those that are incapable of working, but we are not to enable the lazy.

Conclusion

Laziness is a snare that can hinder our spiritual growth, relationships, and service to God. However, by embracing God’s expectations and relying on His strength, we can overcome laziness and live a life of purpose, productivity, and fruitfulness. May we heed the warnings of Scripture and strive to be diligent, motivated, and dependent on God, that we might honor Him with our lives.

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