A “sluggard” … What is one anyway? When you’re reading the Bible you’ll come across the term in Proverbs quite regularly. The context always presents whoever “a sluggard” is in a bad light. Here’s how Webster’s dictionary defines the term… “A habitually lazy person.” I’ve personally looked up the passages in the Bible that describe the “sluggard” and I can tell you I don’t want to be one!
In a church I attended we had one… claimed to be a “Christian” too (a “born again” Christian yet!) Junk all over the yard, lawn never mowed, fence (or what was left over of a fence) falling down, roof covered with moss and falling in… And that was outside the house! Inside a terrible smell, a single narrow path through all the junk, filthy kitchen and bathroom, beds never made… I could go on. Able bodied guy (and his family) lived there too! Smart – had an opinion (strong opinions) about almost everything. Even a bit critical of others who disagreed with him. Couldn’t keep a job, exhibited a complete lack of initiative, didn’t pay his bills, and worst of all gave the term “Christian” a bad name.
All of this came back to mind as I read the following words in my Bible this morning during “Coffee with the Lord”…
“I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.” (Proverbs 24:30–34 ESV)
How much better to live like 1 Corinthians 10:31 urges Christians to live:
“So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God!”
One more time… As a follower of Jesus – someone called a “Christian” – I never, never, never want to be called a “sluggard!” Just say’n!!!
(Oh the pic with the car in front… at one time we lived in that house and then a “sluggard” moved in!)
I wrote and posted this originally in “Coffee with the Lord” several years ago. My FB friend Charles Satterwhite reminded me of it this morning… Still good! Don’t want to be a “sluggard!” Want to be a faithful servant of the Lord!!
Coffee With The Lord 