This is the first verse of a chapter in 2 Samuel that is entitled David’s Sin. The story quickly devolves into a story of adultery, deceit, and murder. It is a very illuminating story of how even a good man like King David can be overwhelmed by temptation.

How did it start? It started with sloth. Sloth is laziness. It is a sin that seems harmless at first. We can after all point out that rest is good. That is biblical truth because even God rests. However, sloth is an excess. It is a total abandonment of labor, which can result in countless disasters in one’s life. Here are three truths that surround this particular sin.

When you look at your room, you may see the usual stuff. You see the usual walls, the ceiling, and the floor. It’s the same for the furniture. Your room seems very mundane but do not be careless. A spiritual war is rampaging around you. The enemy is constantly poking at you using the same mundane environment around you. He has lain triggers and temptations to trap those who are careless. If you are not careful, you become vulnerable to sin!

This is how sloth can prove to be so sinister a sin. Even if there is an awareness of the battle, laziness is choosing to not care and just do nothing. There is this false sense of security when we do nothing. It is the most dangerous state a person can be in. It would be akin to walking inside a lion’s den without protection. Would any sane person do that? Of course not! So, arm yourself. Defend yourself.

People love to be comfortable. It’s natural to seek comfort rather than discomfort after all. To say otherwise would be crazy! However, we can act like David at times. Instead of going to war, we decide to stay and lounge around in our comfort zone.

The comfort zone is a dangerous place. It may seem like a safe haven from your fears and worries but it can also be a prison where you do not grow. You are not meant for the palace. You are meant for the battlefield. Remember the Forever King Jesus is with you!

 

Labor is not evil. It is good because it brings purpose to your days. Just imagine spending your days doing nothing at all. That would be dull! Truly, labor is good so do not avoid it. Embrace it instead. Let it be your way to love people. Let labor be your way to love God.

When I graduated college, I had the longest vacation in my life. At first, it was awesome! I played video games, read mangas and comic books, watch plenty of movies, and relaxed as much as I wanted. However, no matter how I enjoyed all of these good things, they brought me no joy because these activities had no purpose aside from my personal enjoyment.

It was when I started working in the family’s meat business that I found the joy of labor. I was sweaty all the time and I smelled like meat but I enjoyed it because it challenged me and gave purpose to my days.

That attitude made it easier for me to serve the Lord. When I started serving in the Light of Jesus Family, it felt natural to me. I enjoyed serving in ministry despite the long hours. When I was called to missionary work, I agreed right away despite my dislike for travel. Why? Because labor is good.

Now, almost a decade later, I realize that labor is very good especially when it is labor done for the Lord. My service to Him is my way of giving thanks to Him. Even when I serve others, it honors Him especially when I do so out of love. Friend, you can also do the same. Let your work be your worship.

Thank you so much for reading this post from The Upsurge series. Please consider sharing this post. It helps to spread the message of love.  God bless you!