“Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys” (Pr. 18:9). Or, “Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism” (MSG) and “He who is loose and slack in his work is brother to him who is a destroyer and he who does not use his endeavors to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide” (AMP). This is the kind of verse that you know, but you don’t pay much attention to. However, because I was slacking a bit las week when I read it, I took a closer look at it. Like me, is there anything that you should be doing; something that you should be working on right now, but that you are neglecting?
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys… Indeed, when things are not progressing, sooner or later, they will regress and eventually disappear. There are more than 25 verses in the Bible alluding to the fact that GOD does not like slackness or slothfulness. The fate of the wicked servant in the parable of talents (Mat. 25) shows that He also dislikes the status quo. “You gave me one talent and after X years, I give it back to you exactly as it was!” If someone, who has not seen you for ages, enquires about you and everybody answers: “Oh, he is exactly as you left him” or “She is there. She hasn’t changed at all.” It’s really bad. And, of course, I am not talking about the physical appearance; because it’s rather a grace not to change physically in ten years or more (wrinkles, white hair, weight…). I’m talking about someone who seems stuck in time (same job, same house, same car…). No offence, but this is a plague.
Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys. The work here is paid jobs; house chores; voluntary service like community or charitable work, including serving in church. All this must be done with excellence. In fact, since the Bible exhorts us to work heartily in whatever we do, AS for the LORD (Col. 3:23); then everything we do, even outside of the church, represents the work of GOD; and should be done as if it is ministry. Indeed, “Cursed is he who does the work of the LORD with slackness” (Jer. 48:10). Finally, accepting Jesus as Saviour in order to flee from hell is not enough. The Bible also demands that we WORK out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12). Ignoring or neglecting this (not praying/studying the Word of GOD/obeying the commandments/attending church services etc.); in short, refusing to grow is akin to destroying one’s spiritual life; and we all know how this will end. This is why the Amplified version adds: he who does not use his endeavours to heal himself is brother to him who commits suicide. A word to the wise is enough.
Have a great week in HIM and good work!
No comments:
Post a Comment