Spirits That Destroy-Slothfulness

 

 

Slothfulness...

Proverbs 12:24,27, Proverbs 26:13-16, Proverbs 24:30-34, Matthew 25:26, Proverbs 19:15, Ecclesiastes 10:18,

Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 20:4

 

 

A. Slothful: The Saxon form is slewdth, from slaw, meaning slow; and the idea of

the word is tardiness, disinclination to action or labor, no energy, considers labor

as a bore or being boring, one who loiters about, one who puts no soul or spirit

into anything, drags through his/her work. They do not give anything extra or of

themselves into what they do, make no effort.

 

B. Many are very busy for self and the world, but very slothful for God or the work

of God. The slothful live as if they had nothing to do, not concerned about

excelling in what they do. Don't worry about tomorrow, let someone else come

and do it...they always have before if they wait long enough. They are not

motivated to do anything, except what they personally want.

 

C. Slothfulness is the same as idleness, an idle person is one who neglects their

duty. Idleness gives Satan a chance to talk to our soul and build up imaginations which cause our troubles to become magnified or increased.It's A proven fact that an idle mind is the "Devil's Workshop." You don't have time to think evil if you're engaged in doing something good. You don't have time to gossip if you're on your knees praying. You don't have time to listen to Satan if you're busy reading God's word. We will not sit or lay there and pine away if we are setting at God's table eating Spiritual food.

 

D. Employment is appointed to every living thing. The highest of heaven's angles

has his duties to fulfill and the lowest of earth's insects must be busy or perish.

It is the running water which keeps fresh, it is the air fanned by the winds

which is wholesome, it is the metal that is in use that doesn't rust.

 

E. The sin of slothfulness as well as criminal and spiritual neglect have no doubt done as

much to populate hell as the vicious sins we hear so much about. It seems so

harmless, so innocent, and yet it's venom is more deadly to the spirit of mankind

than some of the most hideous sins to which mankind is addicted. The

unprofitable servant had done no outward wrong...he/she was simply too

slothful to carry out the responsibility which had been assigned to him/her. His

sin was the sin of slothfulness, the sin of doing nothing. The sin of the ten

virgins was not immorality, lying or cheating...it was slothfulness. They simply

failed to provide themselves with oil (Holy Ghost). They were judged, not for

flagrant sin, but for laziness and unfaithfulness. I'm telling you that God hates laziness! Doesn't

God tell us in his word to "occupy", "endure until the end", stay busy about the Father's work!

 

F. On the farm, in business, in the school, in the shop and in every area of our lives,

slothfulness is judged and faithfulness is rewarded. The slothful, lazy student who

spends his/her time loafing in the drug store or convenience store can never hope

to be on the honor roll. Diplomas are usually awarded for faithful work and

diligent study...not for native talent or ability.

 

G. If there is going to be any degree of success in anything, it will be as a result of

consistent effort, energy and labor that is put into it. Inconsistency means defeat.

 

H. Slothfulness in worship, in praying, in praising, in resisting the Devil, in anything

brings defeat and destruction. Success is the result of true dilligence. A business

man that rises early, opens up early, properly attends to his business affairs, stays

late, works hard, etc will be successful. On the other hand, the man who sleeps late and sets with hands folded....opens late, spends the majority of his time doing

nothing, closes early, will not be successful. This is also very true spiritually, as in

Church and your everyday walk with God. To be a successful Christian, you must

put a lot of time, thought and effort into what you do for God. This is also true of

the Church, if Church is to be successful, vibrant, growing, progressing in

attendance, etc, there must be some time, effort and labor put into the Church work.

 

I. Slothfulness takes away energy...dilligence and enthusiam. Slothfulness causes

neglect...it destroys the will power...perseverance...earnest care...progress.

Slothfulness withers the muscles, takes away strength, destroys enthusiasm, causes delay, hinders promptness in action...earnestness in action...earnestness in

effort...and zeal in execution...active service.

 

J. Slothfulness is a sin, because it involves disobedience to God's commands...Go,

work, witness, etc.

 

K. Proverbs on Slothfulness:

 

1. Evil thoughts intrude in an unemployed mind as naturally as worms are

    generated in a stagnant pool.

2. He that would eat the kernal must crack the nut.

3. Slothfulness, like rust, consumes faster than labor wears.

4. The sleeping fox catches no poultry.

 

L. The slothful are content to do nothing for God...for their own soul...for their

generation.

 

M. The Talents which GOD has committed to our trust require to be occupied.  When the Lord

     gave you that "Talent." he expected you to use it to the best of your ability.  If you do not, he

     will give it to someone who will!

 

N. Slothfulness causes neglect, neglect causes deterioration...Proverbs 24:30-34...

overgrown with thorns and nettles, weeds growing, fences falling down, the

slothful man let's his walls fall into dilapidation, thus his property lies open to the

robber and the destroyers. The wild boar from the woods will root up his vine. If

we are not diligent, watchful and careful, evil will come in from without and spoil

our work, our home and our soul.

 

O. The sin of slothfulness is not the committing of some evil act, it is simply neglect.

We can be destroyed by simple omission without any transgression. Poverty of

soul, emptiness, fruitlessness and finally spiritual death comes to the slothful.

Neglect and slothfulness means decay, break-down and ruin.

 

P. The soul requires cultivation just as a garden or field, (constant plowing, preparing the soil) planting, watering (fasting and prayer). Much labor is involved for a successful crop. You'll have thorns, weeds and thistles which must be removed. You must plant and cultivate righteousness, holiness, purity and integrity. Remember, at the conclusion or end of this life...you'll reap or harvest the crop that you've planted and cultivated during your life-time.  Think about it!