Don’t be an object at rest | Editorial

In the first law of motion Newton states that a moving object tends to remain in motion and an object at rest tends to remain at rest. This law also applies to people. While some people are naturally driven to complete projects, others are apathetic, needing a motivation to overcome inertia. 

We like to say that we are a nation of hardworking people, but we must admit that we also have a lot of lazy people. Some claim to work and to be busy all day, but nothing good can be seen in their lives. Usually, this category of people are the most complaining and dissatisfied. The Bible is clear and says that the Lord has ordained work for man and that laziness is sin. “Go to the ant, you lazy one, observe its ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6 NASB).

The Bible has much to say about laziness. The book of Proverbs, in particular, is full of wisdom and warnings for the lazy. We are told that the lazy man hates work: ”The desire of the lazy one puts him to death, for his hands refuse to work” (Proverbs 21:25 NASB); he loves sleep. Also, “A lazy one is wiser in his own eyes than seven people who can give a discreet answer” (Proverbs 26:16 NASB). Proverbs tells us what is prepared for the lazy in the end. The lazy man becomes a slave or a debtor. “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy hand will be put to forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24 NASB). His future is bleak: “The lazy one does not plow after the autumn, so he begs during the harvest and has nothing!” (Proverbs 20:4 NASB). The lazy become poor: “the soul of the lazy one craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is made prosperous” (Proverbs 13:4 NASB).

Sad prospects for the lazy, and if you have somehow fallen into this sin, you must know that there is no room for laziness in the life of Christianity. Although we know that “by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB), however, a believer may become inactive if he believes wrongly — that is, if he believes that God does not expect the fruits of a transformed life. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10 NASB). Laziness and the lazy violate God’s purpose, that is, good works. However, the Lord empowers Christians to overcome the inclination of the flesh to laziness, giving them a new nature. It is sad to see how some Christians believe that God will give to them just for the act of declaring themselves Christians. Whoever does not work should not eat, and such people live in disorder. 

In our new nature, we are motivated to diligence and productivity that come from love for our Savior who redeemed us. Our old inclination to laziness – and other sins – has been replaced by the desire to live holy lives: “The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather he must labor, producing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need” (Efeseni 4:28). We are convinced of the need to care for our family, working: “If anyone does not take care of his family and especially of those in his household, he has renounced the faith and is worse than an unbeliever,” Paul taught Timothy. We must also take care of those in God’s family: “You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this way you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:34-35 NASB).

As Christians, we know that our works will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in obedience, forcing ourselves to do good: “Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not become weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:9-10 NASB). “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance” (Colossians 3:23-24 NASB). I am sure that if we apply this biblical principle, it is God who will reward us. Everything is possible in the One we have trusted.

As Christians, we must work in the power of God, carry the news of salvation, and become disciples. Let’s not fall into the trap of laziness and personal comfort. 

Translated by Liza Bîrlădeanu