"One day I walked by the field of an old lazybones, and then passed the vineyard of a lout; They were overgrown with weeds, thick with thistles, all the fences broken down. I took a long look and pondered what I saw; the fields preached me a sermon and I listened: “A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there, sit back, take it easy–do you know what comes next? Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life, with poverty as your permanent house guest!” Proverbs 24:30-34 (MSG)
God loves and responds to diligent seekers. In Hebrews 11:6, the Bible reveals that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.
Our theme scripture gives an example of a seeker who is NOT diligent because sluggardness is not just physical, it is spiritual too.
There are Christians who are very liberal with the ‘breaks from God’ that they give themselves. They will show up for a service today and only show up the next time they need a boost to their diminishing morale. They are very diligent in taking days off from God.
How about those whose prayer lives are largely hindered by the power of sleep? For them, it is a nap here and a nap there in critical moments when they should be in prayer. They are very much like the disciples to whom the Lord said, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” (Matthew 26:40).
The effects of spiritual sluggardness cannot be overstated child of God. Your fences and walls will develop cracks and eventually come tumbling down because they are not fortified by diligence. When attacks come, they will not find you with much of a defence.
Seeking God is not a hobby to be pursued on one’s time and at your self-indulgent pace; it is a lifestyle. Don’t expect to move God with one foot in the closet and another in your next agenda.
Be serious about God and He too will be serious about you.
In Proverbs 22:29, the Bible says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” The writer uses the word business on purpose. So pray like you mean business. Read the Word like you mean business. Worship like you mean business. Minister like you mean business.
Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY: Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 26:40
GOLDEN NUGGET: Seeking God is not a hobby to be pursued on one’s time and at your self-indulgent pace; it is a lifestyle. Don’t expect to move God with one foot in the closet and another in your next agenda. Be serious about God and He too will be serious about you.
PRAYER: Father, I thank You for Your word. I know that I have free access to Your presence. I respond to Your constant invitation with all my heart, body and soul. Lord, You have my attention for the rest of my days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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