Bad examples are not all bad if we will learn from them. The wise man in Proverbs wrote that he "received instruction" from the field of a lazy man (Proverbs 24:32). The dilapidated condition of that field was a powerful motivator for him to shun laziness.
There is nothing good ever said about a lazy person in the Bible. However, laziness can be a temptation to all Christians, as Jesus said, Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matthew 26:41 NKJV). How many times have you said, "Let someone else do it," or, "I'll do it tomorrow" when it can be done today? Or said, "This is too hard," and you just quit?
Look at the result, or the field of the lazy man: It was all overgrown with thorns, its surface was covered in nettles (weeds), and the stone wall was broken down (Proverbs 24:31). A field that did not produce could be ruinous for those who lived in an agrarian society as they did. So shall your poverty come like a prowler (Prov. 24:34a).
The wise sage wrote that he took a good long look at the field and learned a valuable lesson: When I saw it, I considered it well; I looked on it and received instruction (v. 32). Are there some areas in our lives that we need to take a long look at and take corrective action?
In what kind of spiritual shape are our families? It's been said, "So goes the home, so goes the church." A sound or healthy congregation is likely made up of faithful families. On the other hand, a congregation that is struggling may be due to families that lack diligence in fulfilling their God-given duties. Is family Bible time a priority in your home? Is prayer often heard in the house apart from breakfast, lunch, and supper? Does each family member address the others with kindness and respect? Do family members engage one another often in conversation that deepens their love for and knowledge of one another? Does the family serve other families in need? As poverty would come upon the lazy farmer in Proverbs, families that are not tended to will fall into calamity.
The good thing about laziness is that it can be remedied quickly. If there are certain "fields" in our lives that are in disarray, then there needs to be some godly sorrow on our part. Note what the apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you (2 Corinthians 7:11a). Laziness can be defeated if we take to heart our responsibilities toward God and one another.
A great family motto is found in Romans 12:9-13: Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.
Brotherly, Jamie
