Almost 20 years ago, bombers flew over the American southlands in a carefully planned bombing raid. I remember watching them methodically work the Florida skies in an attempt to wipe out the enemy. In this case, however, it was a peacetime war. The enemy wasn’t human. It was just a little bug known as the fire ant. The planes were spreading a pesticide aimed at ridding the South of one of its more hated citizens. According to one researcher, people asked whether the little ant is really that much of a problem. He replied that such a question shows that the person who is asking it has never had a run-in with the fire ant.
Just as the little fire ant requires big efforts to stamp it out, the Bible talks about another little problem that needs to be taken seriously – laziness. The author of the book of Proverbs speaks of the sad results of “a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest” (Proverbs 24:33).
Anyone who suffers from laziness knows that a big effort is needed to combat it. If we don’t attack it, poverty (both spiritual and physical) “will come like a prowler” (Proverbs 24:34). So what can be done? Begin by evaluating how you spend your time. If you see you are wasting it, plan out a strategy for combating laziness. Take on the small task at first. Then don’t let down. You will soon realize how much better it is to succeed than to slumber. – Martin R. De Haan II
O help me, Lord, this task to do,
Nor falter due to sin,
For You would have me see it through,
A heavenly crown to win. – H. G. Bosch
The lazier we are today, the more we have to do tomorrow.
- June 19, 1986, Our Daily Bread
For You 