Today I would love a rainy day with no plans so I could just curl up with a good book and spend the day watching Netflix. Does that mean I want a “lazy” day? Absolutely. But I certainly wouldn’t want to do it every day. I have a lot of drive and ambition cursing through my veins which makes it hard to just sit still for very long. I’m sure if I had the “perfect” lazy day, I would soon be up doing something useful.
Today’s verse is “The lazy person claims, ‘There’s a lion out there! If I go outside, I might be killed!’” I had to write about this one because it just made me giggle. I’m not sure only a lazy person would fear a lion in the yard, but what might someone with motivation for success (opposite of a lazy bum) have said? Something like – “There’s a lion out there, where’s my gun” or “How do I divert the lion’s attention so I can go where I want to go?” The lazy person is trapped. The motivated person has options.
What’s the difference here? A lazy person sees a challenge as an excuse. If they look carefully enough when difficulty presents itself, they will find many reasons not to try. What about for the rest of us? We see challenges as opportunities. Opportunities for success. The diligent delight in finding new ways to work through problems. There is so much reward in a successful outcome. But for the lazy, this would be a huge mindset switch they might not be ready for.
I think there is a difference between being lazy and wanting to relax a little. We all need to time to rejuvenate our bodies, refresh our minds, and reset our priorities. I think what Solomon is getting at with the reference to lazy is to those people who avoid risks, interactions, confrontations, adventures, or just real-life day to day activities.
There will be lions in the world waiting to devour us. Satan prowls around waiting for the weak. We need to be diligent. God has given us spiritual armor to wear to protect ourselves. Remember Ephesians 6:10-18. We have no excuse to be lazy and avoid life. God wants us to enjoy his creation. He wants to see us interacting with others. He wants us to rely on him to fight the lions we may face.
What lions are holding you back today? Isn’t it time you stopped being lazy and took action?
Let’s pray … Lord, forgive me for my fearful heart that often keeps me from experiencing all the beauty you have designed for me. Give me the courage to step outside of my comfort zone with confidence today. I don’t want to hide away and make excuses like the lazy ones. May I step out with bold faith and conquer my fears. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
