We sometimes forget that our success in carrying out our God-given tasks comes from the strength and wisdom we draw from God—beyond the confines of our sheer abilities and might.
The adverse effects of laziness on our spiritual life cannot be overlooked.
Views on laziness vary. While it is severely censured by some, it's also praised by others. Bill Gates was even quoted as saying that he prefers to hire a slothful person— because, according to him, a lazy employee will find a way to do the job in the easiest way possible. Other well-established industry publications also touted its significance to success. However, this is without a caveat: You shouldn’t be too lazy to use your strong inclination to idleness as a catalyst in simplifying your tasks. Thus, in the end, it still takes a lot of hard work to make a complicated task uncomplicated.
“Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Proverbs 10:4
Laziness may have its merits and drawbacks among industry giants. Nevertheless, when it comes to faith, laziness will not yield any benefits— only devastating outcomes.
Without a doubt, spiritual laziness can plunge us into the pit of darkness should we fail to exercise caution. Like stagnant water that becomes murky over time due to inactivity, our spiritual walk with God, if left stagnant, can deaden and darken the soul.
Our soul needs a continuous stream of God’s life-giving Spirit for us to thrive in our walk with the Lord—a treasured privilege available to us if we take a firm stance against any form of spiritual laziness.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Colossians 3:23 NIV
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
As a result of the detrimental effects of spiritual laziness in the life of a believer, God calls on us to seek and pursue Him with utmost diligence.
“He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
Seeking God Diligently
To seek God diligently means to conscientiously devote time to prayer, worship, and reading His life-sustaining words. It also means to be proactive in pursuing the desire of God’s heart by offering acts of love and genuine gestures of compassion and mercy for others.
Quite simply, we cannot nourish our souls with God’s presence and wisdom if we're too lazy to read the Bible or devote quiet time to the Lord. It's the same if we refuse to have fellowship with other believers or neglect to do acts of kindness and benevolence for others (such as serving in the church, etc.).
The enemy never ceases to employ his cunning tricks and ploys to keep us enchanted by the allure of spiritual procrastination, enticing us to immerse in its venom, a way to snatch us away from God’s protective light.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 KJV
Thus, the Bible cautions us to always be on guard for our enemy is the most cunning of all creatures, crafty, and full of deceit.
Causes of Spiritual Laziness
Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Spiritual laziness can insidiously seep into our lives if we: find ourselves consuming morally repulsive content online, eating unhealthy food that perversely affects our mood, or keeping ourselves awake till late at night.
These are poor lifestyle choices that can have adverse impacts not only on our physical health but on our spiritual well-being.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Despair and Hopelessness
When prayers are left unheeded, some of us are inclined to harbor a sense of despondency or hopelessness, resenting God for not freeing us from the shackles of life’s agonizing struggles. Thus, when bitterness wields its power over our lives, we lose our zeal and enthusiasm to pursue God’s heart.
Lack of Conviction
Spiritual laziness can be the result of unbelief. People with unwavering faith in God are more predisposed to pursue God with utmost fervor and faithfulness. On the other hand, people of fragile faith can easily fall apart in the face of searing trials, succumbing to spiritual laziness that causes believers to deviate from God’s path.
Lack of Self-confidence or Self-worth
People with low self-esteem and confidence are prone to doubt their ability to execute God’s plan in their lives. We sometimes forget that our success in carrying out our God-given tasks comes from the strength and wisdom we draw from God—beyond the confines of our sheer abilities and might.
As it’s written: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV
Remember the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-29? The slothful servant was left with nothing because, unlike the two others, he was lazy and racked with self-doubt in his ability to undertake his assigned task.
Spirit of Unforgiveness
When seething anger and unforgiveness dominate our lives, we lose the passion to fully serve the Lord. Wrath and animosity, if left unfettered, can hinder the indwelling Spirit of God to work powerfully in our lives.
“Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21-22 NKJV
Procrastination
At times, even when we’re swept with a fervent longing to faithfully obey God, we end up procrastinating or deferring necessary actions to fulfill His commands. We must, therefore, strive to free ourselves from the clutches of procrastination.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV
How to Overcome Spiritual Laziness
Spiritual laziness can only be surmounted with steadfast resolve when our love and faith in God are grounded in truth. Otherwise, we will end up impeding the Holy Spirit from working on our deep-seated flaws, such as the lack of diligence in doing God’s will.
Meditating on God’s words to overcome spiritual laziness is also key. When God’s truths are deeply ingrained in our hearts and minds, we become more driven to pursue God’s heart, avoiding the pitfall of spiritual laziness and apathy.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 (NIV)
We must also structure our day with tasks that glorify the Lord, whether that be reading the Bible, having some quiet time with Him, singing and dancing to a worship song, or sharing the gospel online or with people around us.
We must bear in mind that choosing personal pleasure over honoring the Lord in our daily lives prevents us from nurturing a deep connection with Him. Thus, the lazier we become, the further we deviate from God’s path.
God has given each of us talents and abilities to advance His kingdom. Failure to use our God-given skills for His glory is akin to committing spiritual rebellion.
Let us then seize each day to serve God to the best of our ability—for our time here on earth is limited, and life is fleeting. Take advantage of the remaining time afforded to us to serve Him faithfully— so that when we come face to face with Him, we may not have faltered in carrying out our God-given duties.
“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Psalm 90:12-17 KJV
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