The Christian couch potato

As I advance in years, I find there is a temptation to want to just sit back and rest on my accomplishments. It is tempting to just say, "I've worked hard, I've done my work and it's time for someone else to pick up the burden." And yet as I examine scripture, I see that this is clearly not God's plan.

In 1st Thessalonians 3:6 I read: "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition which you received from us."

As early as Genesis 2:15 we see that, "The Lord God took man and put him in the garden to work it and keep it." There are, of course, many other scriptures which speak of work versus laziness. You will find them in Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, Colossians, Luke and elsewhere they tell us we are not to be idle.

And so, despite physical limitations there are many things which we, as Christians, can do. Not the least of which is fulfilling the great commandment outlined in Matthew 28: 19,20: "Go therefore and make disciples..."

And lest we forget, we are not called to make converts, but rather disciples. We are reminded in 1st Corinthians 3 that one plants and another waters, but God alone does the growing.

I believe this is what Matthew was referring to when he said, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth where moth and rust can destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but store up for yourself treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and thieves do not break in and steal.

Laziness most often exhibits itself when we sit around waiting for a mountain top experience when God wants us to work in the valley, based on what he has given us on the mountain top. Pray always and be alert to the work that needs to be done around us.

Idleness has no place in the Christian Life. So let's get off the couch and get out among the harvest.