- Joined
- Oct 26, 2007
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- 11,539
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man. Proverbs 6:6-11 ESV
What you don’t do may have worse consequences than what you choose to do. Although rest and leisure are important, sloth and inaction will inevitably lead to poverty and struggle. That isn’t to say that everyone living in poverty is lazy—calamities beyond our control will happen. Rather, there are real consequences for failing to take initiative in life.
God is merciful and kind, but He will also let you reap what you sow in life. That is true for your spiritual practices and for your work. As you trust God to provide what you need, you remain responsible for taking the initiative and acting on the opportunities you have today. Much like an ant that is motivated to work hard, you shouldn’t require accountability or punishments to do what is required to care for yourself.
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to work with gratitude for my opportunities.
What you don’t do may have worse consequences than what you choose to do. Although rest and leisure are important, sloth and inaction will inevitably lead to poverty and struggle. That isn’t to say that everyone living in poverty is lazy—calamities beyond our control will happen. Rather, there are real consequences for failing to take initiative in life.
God is merciful and kind, but He will also let you reap what you sow in life. That is true for your spiritual practices and for your work. As you trust God to provide what you need, you remain responsible for taking the initiative and acting on the opportunities you have today. Much like an ant that is motivated to work hard, you shouldn’t require accountability or punishments to do what is required to care for yourself.
Prayer: Help me, Lord, to work with gratitude for my opportunities.