Sloth

Scripture

The desire of the slothful killeth him;
    for his hands refuse to labour.

~Proverbs 21:25, AKJV

Quote

Sloth make all things difficult; he that rises late must trot all day and shall scarce complete his business before night.

~Ben Franklin

The NLT’s translation of Proverbs 21:25 is–Despite their desires, the lazy will come to ruin, for their hands refuse to work. Sloth is an old English word for laziness. The Sloth is a very slow mover. Lazy people do have desires: they desire ease, rest and comfort. They do nothing six days a week and then rest on Sunday. They live dissatisfied lives from our perspective but in truth, they are not dissatisfied about anything; not enough to change their ways. Dorthy Sayers defines ‘sloth’ as “the sin which believes in nothing, cares for nothing, seeks nothing, interferes with nothing, loves nothing, hates nothing, finds purpose in nothing, lives for nothing and remains alive only because they have nothing to die for.”

Lazy people do not love life enough to work at it and they do not love people enough to contribute. Paul teaches us to work with our hands so that we have enough to provide for ourselves and then some to give to others who may not be able to work. Ministry can be work and so can Missions. Jesus came to earth on a labor of love. He enjoyed many things but he also endured many things: the cross for instance. Jesus was a working man; He even worked on the sabbath. In John 5:17 He said,  “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” He didn’t do carpenter work on the sabbath, but He did help others seven days a week.

Jess Clanton and I attended Jon’s memorial service at Iron Man Baptist Church. It was a moving service to say the least. A general from Redstone spoke and it was very impressive and I am not that easy to impress. I sure everyday is difficult for Jon’s folks but today has to be especially hard. Why don’t you take a moment to say a pray for Jon’s mom and dad.