God Ordained Work From the Beginning
Being lazy is a lifestyle for some people, but the Bible tells us that God ordained work for man and so persistent, willful laziness is sinful. “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6).
What Proverbs Says About Laziness
The Bible talks a lot about laziness. In Proverbs we read many verses concerning laziness and warnings to the lazy person: “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Proverbs 21:25);
He loves sleep: “As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed” (26:14);
He gives excuses: “The lazy man says, ‘There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!’” (26:13);
He wastes time and energy: “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to him who is a great destroyer” (18:9);
He believes he is wise but is a fool: “The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly” (26:16).
The Consequences of Laziness in Scripture
In Proverbs, we also read about the end of a lazy person: a lazy person becomes a servant (or debtor): “The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor” (12:24); his future is bleak: “The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest and have nothing” (20:4); he may come to poverty: “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (13:4).
Faith Produces Fruit, Not Laziness
It is clear that a Christian believer cannot be lazy but if they believe that God expects no fruit from a transformed life then they will become lazy.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Christians are not saved by works, but they do show their faith by their works (James 2:18, 26).
Slothfulness violates God’s purpose—good works. The Lord, however, empowers Christians to overcome the flesh’s propensity to laziness by giving us a new nature (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God Empowers Believers to Work Diligently
As Christians, we know that our labors will be rewarded by our Lord if we persevere in diligence: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9-10).
Working as Unto the Lord
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24).
“For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Hebrews 6:10).
Paul’s Example of Faithful Labor
As Christians we have to work hard in God’s strength to evangelize and disciple. The apostle Paul is our example: “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily” (Colossians 1:28-29).
Our Eternal Calling to Serve God
Even in heaven, we will continue to work and serve God, although no longer encumbered by the curse (Revelation 22:3). Free from sickness, sorrow, and sin—even laziness—the saints will glorify the Lord forever.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
