Humorist Mark Twain once said, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow.” The tale of the grasshopper and the ant by the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop is a stark reminder of the detrimental impact of lazy living. Throughout the summer, the ant worked hard, gathering and storing food for the winter. The lazy grasshopper laughed at him, saying it was time to play and sing. When winter gripped the land, however, the grasshopper had no food and begged the ant to let him have some, but there was no excess to share.
Laziness is a habit that can lead to our living on the generosity of others. The apostle Paul showed little patience for those who were unwilling to work, stating that they should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He taught the believers in Thessalonica how to steer clear of procrastination and idleness. His instruction included never accepting food from anyone without paying for it and to work hard day and night so they wouldn’t be a burden to anyone (2 Thessalonians 3:8). He also urged them to settle down and earn a living and challenged them to never get tired of doing good (2 Thessalonians 3:12-13).
Jesus also spoke of working quickly to carry out the tasks assigned to us by God, for night is coming when no one will be able to work (John 9:4).
Although Paul delivers a stern warning against laziness, even challenging us to stay away from people who are idle (2 Thessalonians 3:14), he implores us not to treat the lazy as enemies. Instead, he urges us to warn them as we would a brother or sister (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).
Let’s do what we can and should today. For when we lazily put off until tomorrow what we can do today, we steal tomorrow’s joy.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Samuel 24:1-22
More:
Read Philippians 2:12-13 and consider where the desire and the power to work for God are found.
Next:
How have you recently struggled with laziness? How does the idea that your work is for God’s glory help you to not put off what you should accomplish today?
Gary Shultz on March 31, 2015 at 5:50 am
Because I’m older I try to watch not being so grumpy. Instead, I try to challenge myself with a few words – “What are you going to do about it.” So your subject is a challenge to me because in many cases your observation is correct. So my challenge is, how do you become light to a large number of folks who are very happy to sponge. We can certainly lead by example, we can show contentment and exhibit skills that are learned by work; however as long as the free lunch is provided it is difficult to make a point. The other thing I see with the grasshoppers are they can not accumulate enough to bless others, thus missing great blessing and reward. Thanks Ant Ruth.
Mike Wittmer on March 31, 2015 at 7:50 am
It’s tempting for Christians who are saved by grace to start presuming on that grace. Thank you for reminding me that God’s work in me should fuel my effort, not replace it (Phil. 2:12-13).
Tom Felten on March 31, 2015 at 9:10 am
Ruth, we see at the dawn of Creation a man and woman working in, caring for, stewarding what God has given us on this good earth. May we realize that our work and everything we do truly matters to Him (Colossians 3:23).
Ruth O'reilly-smith on March 31, 2015 at 2:18 pm
Hi Gary – society often dictates that we put our feet up and do nothing when we get older but, when we consistently seek God and receive new vision from him, we maintain our energy and zest for life and can confidently continue making a valuable contribution to society and a difference for the good in the lives of those around us.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on March 31, 2015 at 2:28 pm
I agree with you Mike – as James so often reminds us; God’s amazing grace towards us doesn’t mean we can have faith alone – Faith without works is dead. We need both – faith and works. Our works (James 2:14-16).
Ruth O'reilly-smith on March 31, 2015 at 2:35 pm
Hi Tom, I think work is meant to be enjoyed. Enjoying work is a habit we can develop and I believe it filters down from the discipline we have in our walk with God. When we regularly take time to connect with God, read His Word and listen to the Holy Spirit, we will begin to enjoy using the gifts he’s given us in the workplace – all to his glory.
Winn Collier on April 4, 2015 at 8:32 pm
I’ve come to believe that our lack of rest could be understood as another kind of laziness.