WARNING AGAINST SLOTHFULNESS

Bible Text: Romans 12:11
“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”

One of the hindrances to progress in life is slothfulness. In a more modern usage, slothfulness is synonymous with laziness. Though there is a thin line of difference between the two, they are most often used interchangeably.

Slothfulness is the quality or state of being lazy, idle, or indolent. It happens when a person is disinclined and unwilling to make an effort to work. In other words, a slothful person is a lazy person—someone who has no inclination to work. The fruit of slothfulness is poverty and hunger. A slothful person will remain a beggar all their life because they cannot make ends meet. According to Proverbs 15:19, the way of the slothful is blocked with thorns.

Today’s text is a warning against slothfulness. In this text, Paul the apostle encourages his readers to avoid every form of indolence, both in business and in faith. In another similar text, specifically in Hebrews 6:12, Paul admonishes believers in Christ, saying, “We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” The primary aim behind this admonition is to educate or enlighten individuals who hide under the guise of religiosity or spirituality to dodge responsibilities. Such people should be reminded that faith without works is empty—it doesn’t produce any good fruit.

According to Paul the apostle, a lazy person cannot inherit what has been promised and cannot possess their possession. Fruitfulness is a result of hard work, and productivity is the outcome of diligent service. If you must succeed in the new year, you must be ready to work hard. Do not sit idly by, folding your arms and expecting a miracle. Lay your hands on something. If you are a victim of slothfulness, then you may need to seek spiritual assistance from your pastor.

Beloved of God, it’s too early in the year to be slothful. According to Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might…” Let it be part of your new year resolution to shun slothfulness and embrace hard work. If you are unengaged, seek to be. Engage your mental faculty, seek help, and pray to God.
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Prophetic Prayer
I pray for you today:

1. This year, you will work and see results for your labour in Jesus’ name.
2. I decree extraordinary strength for you this year in the name of Jesus.
3. Whatever you plant shall grow and bring forth fruits in abundance.
4. This year, you will not suffer any loss in your business or career.
5. This year, the Lord will bless your work and crown you with success.

So shall it be in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Have a fruitful day.

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER!

Yours in Christ,

Revd. Dr. Bayo Sola Aremu
Church Pastor
Yaba Baptist Church
Sabo-Yaba, Lagos