156 – A warning against slothfulness.

Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), [16] Making the very most of the time [buying up each opportunity], because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is. [18] And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled and stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit.

Ephesians 5:15-18 AMPC

Slothfulness is a concept spoken about over and over again throughout scripture. It is simply the lack of a drive or a desire to work. It is being apathetic and not easily stirred to do the work of God. This is often due to ignorance or treating a command from the Lord with little to no priority. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus told a parable of a master who traveled to a far country and gave talents to his servants. He gave one five talents, another two, and another one. These three servants had very different attitudes to the material received from the master.

The servant with five and two had a mind to work and so they noticed opportunities to invest this money. In fact, the return was their Joy. They joyfully told their master of their gain. It was less about the amount made, but more about their willingness to work. The talent had in it the ability to multiply if it was only put to work. Hence, they were both praised and called ‘good and faithful ‘ servants. The third servant did not have such an attitude. This was probably the reason the master gave him just one talent. His complaint was never about the size of the talent. He said “

Matthew 25:24 MSG
‘Master, I know you have high standards and hate careless ways, that you demand the best and make no allowances for error. I was afraid I might disappoint you, so I found a good hiding place and secured your money. Here it is, safe and sound down to the last cent.’“

This servant, though his reason seemed genuine, was termed a ‘wicked and a slothful’ servant. He really had no excuse. If he really understood that his master loved his investment to yield profit, he should have done the least. Proverbs 12:27 says – The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. The difference between these servants was not the amount of time they had or the access to resources, but the degree of preciousness they placed on the substance given to them. One set saw it as an opportunity to partner with their master and “roasted the hunt” by diligently utilizing what had been given to them, while another saw it as extra work. In Acts 17:10-12, the Christians in Berea and Thessalonica had the same number of hours in a day and the same teachers. Yet the difference in result was as a result of the value and therefore diligence they placed on the substance given to them.

In the end, the difference between the results, the level of the manifestation of God, and the knowledge of God each person manifests would not be the number of hours one has over the other or the amount of exposure to sound teaching, but the value they place on the promises and the command of the Lord. Here is what Proverbs has to say about slothfulness. Proverbs 19:15 – Slothfulness casteth into a deep sleep; and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. Proverbs 15:19 – The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Proverbs 12:24 – The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Beloved, be not slothful, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, Romans 12:11.

Prayer for today: Father, thank you for Your word. Forgive me for the many times I have treated your Command with apathy and indifference. Lord, I want to be followers of them who obtain the promise through faithfulness and patience. Deliver me from slothfulness, my Father. I know that they who rule with you, in the end, are called, chosen and faithful. Give me understanding that I may delight in Your truth and treat Your Word as a treasure. This way, I will be diligent in business and bring much fruit and profit to Your kingdom.