The Field of the Slothful
Today's Verse:
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. ~Proverbs 24:30-31
One of my favorite church ministries is our soulwinning ministry. I thoroughly enjoy going into the various neighborhoods and meeting people whom we can give the gospel to and invite to church. While out on soulwinning, I get to see many houses and their landscaping. There are homes that are very well kept with immaculate gardens. There are some gardens that are incredibly beautiful and indicate that the owner or a landscaper has spent some diligent time working it. There are other homes whose front yards show months, and even years, of decay and neglect. I think of one recent home I passed by where the shrubs and bushes were so overgrown that it was impossible to walk to the front door. These neglected homes show that someone is slothful concerning its care. This morning, we are looking at the field of the slothful.
There is the condition of slothfulness.
Slothfulness is when there is a complacency and lack of concern for something or someone. Slothfulness is marked by a slow, lazy, and apathetic attitude towards things that require our attention. Slothfulness is the bane to opportunity. It is not moved by changes in weather, market conditions, wear and tear, or other factors that affect a property, a program, a person, or a possibility. A slothful person is unmotivated by a pressing need that requires immediate attention. Slothfulness is characterized by inactivity, absenteeism, and non-commitment. Solomon stated that he went by the field of the slothful. This field had glaring traits that branded it as a field that was sorely neglected by lack of concern.
There are the consequences of slothfulness.
Solomon saw a field that was overgrown with thorns and nettles. The stone wall was broken down. This field was undesirable. This field was non-productive. This field indicated that the owner or renter did not care about its condition. It became unsafe and perhaps even uninhabitable. Slothfulness is a state of constant procrastination. Slothfulness is indifferent to appearance and profitability. In the parable of the talents, the one servant dug a hole and hid his master’s talent in the earth, and thought that he was doing the master a favor. When reckoning time came, the master rebutted the excuses of this servant. Then, he accused this servant of being slothful and wicked. Slothfulness deprived this servant of future rewards and opportunities. Slothfulness is a slow death. It will kill a marriage and the proper raising of a family. It will result in poverty and lack of provision when needed the most. It kills evangelistic and soulwinning programs. It kills enthusiasm for a church vision. It can make a lively church a lukewarm church instantly. Slothfulness is an insidious disease.
There is the cure for slothfulness.
First, we must be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Second, we should endeavor to do all things for the glory of God. Third, we should serve the Lord from our heart knowing this is His will for us. Fourth, we must remember that the King’s business requireth haste. You should place a timeline on everything you are assigned to and get it done by that date. Leave nothing that is important open-ended in its completion. Endeavor to do all things well and to do them diligently. Establish short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals, and measure your accomplishments by checking them weekly. Be accountable to someone who will make you accomplish these projects. Keep in mind that slothfulness is a sin and must be nailed to the cross daily.
Get busy, get going, and get things done!
Have a diligent God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 2 Chronicles 1-4