Call it slothfulness, call it inactivity, but call it what it is – laziness.
In chapter one of his letter, James makes it clear, “Be doers of the words, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1.22) We should remember that James is writing to all his readers, not a select group. James is writing to Christians. His reminder is one of action.
In the second chapter, James says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2.17) If we are faithful people, our actions will accompany our faith. Our faith and actions will work together to shine our lights and cause others to ask questions regarding our faith. (See Matthew 5.14-16 and 1 Peter 3.15)
It is the responsibility of all Christians to grow. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James writes that we must be doers. It is not enough to just hear the word, but the second part is to actively begin taking actions upon the words heard.
The Hebrews writer takes a different approach than most in his challenge to his readers in Hebrews 5.11-14 by showing them what happened when they did not grow.
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)
The early church struggled with this laziness as well. One of the most outstanding verses regarding this principle would cause a huge battle if our world practiced it today, “If a man is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Those are tough words, but those words combat laziness.
The church needs to rise to the opportunity to share the message that the Almighty God wants active children, not slothful ones.
Just some thoughts,
