“In diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11)

‘In diligence, not slothful.’ There exists an animal called the ‘sloth.’ They are considered the slowest animals in the world, and would take about 4 hours to walk a kilometre. Their pace is about 20 times slower than a regular human walking speed. This makes them easy targets for predators. Not only are they very slow animals, they spend between 15 and 20 hours sleeping every day. Sadly, only a few remain in the world. Hence, we are admonished not to lag in diligence, but be fervent. The traits of the sloth remind us of the account in Proverbs 6:9-11: “How long is the lazy man going to lie around? When is he ever going to get up? ‘I'll just take a short nap,’ he says; ‘I'll fold my hands and rest a while.’ But while he sleeps, poverty will attack him like an armed robber.” This however isn’t God’s expectation for anyone of us. Titus 2:14 tells us God’s mandate: “He (Jesus) gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.”

So, we need to stir each other to be zealous for good works as Hebrews 10;24 says: “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.” It’s a fruitful habit for Proverbs 22:29 does affirm: “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.” So, in God’s grace, may we take a new grip with our tired hands and strengthen our weak knees, and mark out a straight path for our feet (Hebrews 12:12-13). Amen.

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely Received. Freely Give