” And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”. (1Thessalonians 4:11,12)
Indolence has no place in the kingdom of God. The call to Christ is a call to duty. God has commissioned everyone of us to leave for generations after us something from which they can learn and be inspired. He wants us to be diligent in nurturing our faith, growing daily in our walk with him and prospering in whatever our hands find to do in different secular endeavors.
But this cannot be realized if we choose to be indolent, slothful and careless. Fulfilment in any area of life is never experienced by the indolent. Indeed, ” God has hidden every precious thing in such a way that it is a reward to the diligent but a disappointment to the slothful. The nut is hidden in its thorny case; the pearl is buried beneath the ocean waves ; the gold is imprisoned in the rocky bosom of the mountains; the gem is found only after you crush the rock which encloses it; and the very soil gives its harvest as a reward to the labouring farmer. “
The indolent man leads an empty and aimless life. He loves excessive sleep and is definitely not an asset to God’s kingdom. In fact, Proverbs 15:19 sees him as an unbeliever. It says “The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain”. Even worse is that the indolent man makes the most ridiculous and meaningless excuse for his laziness. Unknown to him that he hurts and humiliates himself more than he realises. He makes himself a servant to others because he is too lazy to think and work himself. He lacks understanding and is a great waster. He wastes opportunities, talents and gifts.
God wants children that are “not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11). It’s a good thing to know God’s promises for provision and prosperity and to claim them. But they will not work for you if you do not find something to doing. There has to be something you lay on hands on for God to bless. In case you are at wits’ end not knowing what to do, He is willing to direct you if you will sincerely ask for His guidance.
God wants to make His children an example to the unbelieving world- to show that He is able to bless and prosper whatever legal business they do; to show that one does not need to cheat or defraud before he can prosper. But much more than that, he wants the believer to have an all round prosperity. The abilities to complete this assignment lies within us all. They come in form of natural talents, gifts and aspirations. However, good ideas and wonderful talents become wasted when they are not used.
God simply demands your faithfulness and diligence in whatever good thing you find to do. To do and do it well. It should not be said of you, whether in secular or spiritual matters, that “he or she did nothing.” You don’t leave footprints in the sands of time by sitting down. You need to work. Decide today to make the best of your life.
Shalom!
Written By Wunmi Oyesanya
info@mz_jewel.com
