I have often thought that the best of Christians are found in the worst of times. And I have thought again that one reason why we are no better is because God purges us no more. Noah and Lot - who was as holy as they in the time of their afflictions? And yet who was so idle as they in the time of their prosperity?
- John Bunyan
So many of us are idle. I know that I frequently am. And there are few times when we are idle that we don't end up drifting into sin. After all, one of the deadly sins is SLOTH. But that's not the only one that being idle will lead to. An awful lot of sins would be avoided if we were not being so idle.
I'm not saying be busy for the sake of business, but what are you doing with your time? Are you doing anything? Is what you are doing worthwhile?
The big problem for a lot of my generation is idleness. We don't need to work in order to survive - even for those who do nothing they are extremely unlikely to die from starvation, or general necessity. Indeed, most people have far more than they can ever use, and far more leisure time than they need. That time gets filled with idleness.
For many people this means rubbish entertainment. Bad TV, dodgy movies, violent computer games, and mindless internet surfing, which can easily lead to active sinful behaviours.
What is the alternative? As I said, don't just be busy. But DO be productive!
What can you do? Do it! There are lots of things that need doing - books need to be written, people need food that tastes good and is nutritious. Gardens are frequently neglected (I know mine is!). Read a book on a new topic. Learn a new skill. Help the needy. Craft. Clean. And remember Who we are ultimately working for:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24
1 comment:
I should add, I know that not everyone is in a position to adopt. Some are too old, too young, or single. But far more are able to than think they are. And even those who cannot adopt at the moment can either save towards it or donate towards the expenses of others.
And yes, I am aware that there are other ways of taking care of the widow and orphan. Fostering is the obvious example. But in all honesty, does a Child Sponsorship cut it? (Not denigrating child sponsorship, but we should be doing MORE). Is spending $40 a month all that God wants from His people? I don't think so.
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