Lazy Excuses

There are those who make excuses for their lazy behavior. It is almost comical if it were not so sad to see someone stuck in inertia. They may have been productive in the past, but now they have lost all motivation. Their internal fire to face challenges has been extinguished by external fears, both real and imagined. Instead of doing something, they do nothing. They fail to trust the Lord, “He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD” (Psalm 127:7). Fear paralyzes productivity.

Sometimes even good people need to be shaken out of their sluggish behavior. It may mean a new assignment, stricter accountability, fear of job loss, or a fresh and compelling vision. Who on your team is not doing their part? They seem to have an excuse for everything and make things much harder than necessary. They drown you in paperwork without progress. What’s needed is a policy of no excuses, just solutions.

Who does the thinking in your home and at your work? Just you? Wise leaders require others to think. Lazy thinking is stinking thinking. Engaged thinkers are creative, innovative and energetic. They challenge the process to be more efficient. Then the diligent move from thinking to doing. Otherwise you just daydream “Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4).

What is keeping me from getting things done? Am I overwhelmed? Am I disorganized? Am I tired and confused? Perhaps you stop and pray. Ask the Lord to show you the next right thing to do. Make a list each morning after talking to the Lord. Let Him and others help you prioritize. Do one thing well and then the next, but doing nothing is not an option. “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth” (Proverbs 10:4).

Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 24:13; Isaiah 8:12; Luke 16:3; 1 Peter 3:6

Transformational Living
What did I learn from the Lord in today’s Bible reading?

How will I respond?