Are We Just Lazy?    
 

by Dee Bowman

 

The balance of trade is a complicated matter. I don't understand much about it. And I'm not too sure anybody else does from the way it looks.  I noticed today that the Japanese are now saying American workers are not only illiterate, but lazy. Reckon that's so? Is such a criticism justified? Some are, that's for sure. We have so long lived in opulence that leisure time is more important than about anything else. And that's made some lazy. And that, in turn, has had an adverse effect on the quality of what we produce--not just automobiles, mind you, but everything we produce. I am convinced that too much leisure time is bad for the cause of Christ, too. First, because lots of different kinds of sins come out of boredom. If there's nothing constructive to challenge the mind, it will turn to things which are not and be challenged by them. People who sit around most of the time tend to get involved in thinking that eventually takes them in the wrong direction. Busy people, on the other hand, just plain don't have time to get into too much trouble.  That's not to say they never do, but the likelihood is much less. Laziness is condemned in the Bible. The sluggard of the Proverbs is an unsightly, slovenly sort of character. He is sometimes ludicrous, sometimes repulsive. The scriptures say he is hinged to his bed (Prov.  26:11) and that his excuses are bordered on the ridiculous (he won't work because “there's a lion outside” Prov. 26:13). This sort of inaction and lethargy sort of creeps up on folks it seems to me. They don't set out to be lazy. They just don't stay active and first thing you know, they have become indolent, inactive. And once they get used to it, there's hardly a thing that can be said to get them active again. It's the same way with folks that are spiritually lazy. They have the exact same mannerisms. The Lazy Person Won’t Begin Oh, he plans to, but not right now. ``When?'' you ask. That's too definite for him; he just doesn't want to be pinned down right now. ``Wait,'' he says, ``I'll get around to it one day.'' He doesn't commit himself to outright refusal, he just won't give any specific time about starting. Procrastination gradually erodes purpose and waiting until tomorrow will never make a burdensome task any easier. The Lazy Person Won’t Finish Even if he one day gets in the mood and starts a project, chances are he will never get around to finishing.  Solomon says, ``The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting....'' He brings in the bacon, but cook it he won't. He likes the hunt, but he won't do what he doesn't like. Does that sound like anyone you know? Lots of people participate in the things they enjoy, but when there is something demanded they don't particularly like, they won't finish. And how often the passion of the original plan burns low. To restore the fire of enthusiasm in one who has abandoned the plan is difficult indeed. The Lazy Person Will not Face Up to Difficulties The wise man says ``The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold'' (Prov. 20:4).  If it's hard, he won't do it. If it makes him uncomfortable, he just doesn't get involved. And if there is any chance at all that he could be made to look bad he will not participate. It's just certain that the person who tries will sometimes be uncomfortable, sometimes be embarrassed, sometimes fail. But all of that is part of pulling against the tendency to become shiftless and good-for-nothing. It's all a part of trying to better oneself as well as providing for the general welfare. We don't need one more lazy person. Consider the Ant Solomon says we should consider the work habits of the ant (Prov. 6:6-11). First of all, the ant works without oversight or guide. The real worker works ``not with eye service,'' but because it's right to do it. The ant takes due consideration of time. Rest is reserved for the worker. There is no lawful rest for the person who does not work; he is a leech on society, be that society physical or spiritual. He takes and gives nothing in return.       Other Articles by Dee Bowman All That Glitters is not Gold How to Form a Good Character What Does Your Heart Want? You Can Tell Repentance - What Is It? Intentions Won't Get It I Saw a Friend Die Its You're Life, You Know How to Build a Good Character Today is Today Different by Design Just Wad It Up and Start Over Competition for the Mind The Importance of Good Judgment       For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com