In Proverbs 10 and verse four we read: “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” I realize that looking at a person’s hands does not, in many instances in our society, reveal whether or not he or she is lazy or diligent. But, what we do learn is that laziness leads to poverty. It’s not the only source or contributor to a person’s low financial state. But, it is a significant contributor nonetheless.
On the flip side, we also learn that diligent hands—busy and focused hands—leads to wealth. I love the fact that the Bible does not teach or intimate that wealth is a bad thing. I spent a lot of time this past weekend in my sermon sharing how to Develop Creative Income Streams. However, if that message was the best sermon in history on making money, it would mean absolutely little to us if we’re lazy. Lazy people don’t make money!
As a pastor, my struggle is: How many people would accept the fact that they are lazy? I don’t know too many. In my opinion laziness has a strong association with hustlers—people who don’t really want to work hard just hope that they make a quick buck doing minimal activity. Another form of a lazy person is a “pseudo spiritual Christian” who thinks that prayer is akin to a slot machine. Just pray and wait for God to drop bags of gold in their pathway is their lazy outlook on life. This kind of person would never admit that they’re just lazy—unwilling to work hard—even if you presented them with data in support of your accusation of them.
I’m convinced that it is hard to help a lazy person to see himself. It may be that the lazy person doesn’t have to see himself. He may only change when he sees others’ wealth associated with their diligent hands. What has been your experience with helping a lazy person morph into a diligent person? Or, if you want to be a bit vulnerable, tell us what made you change from being lazy to being diligent (if this is the case).
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteWhile I don’t consider myself to be a lazy person, I will admit that I always look for that bag of gold in every corner of the street and when I don’t see it, I ask Jesus where’s all that money he promised when we were communicating in prayer (he-he-he.)
In light of Christians attaining wealth, I think it’s a negative mind-set that has to be broken when believers don’t see the necessity to get wealth. Some have believed that Christians have to be meek and they see it as living in poverty and even lack of education – I always remind people that God is not stupid nor is He illiterate, he’s very intelligent and He loves intelligent people. I love education and I enjoy the company of people I can have a healthy conversation with and what I do is that if I see a lack in the person’s demeanor, I question them to learn more about them and see how I can help them get better and achieve more. Although I’m not where I want to be yet – but I make it a point to work harder to be a good role model for my children and those I come in contact with. My desire in life is to help single parent(s) or even the married ones that are struggling achieve greater things than their present situation by guiding them to achieve either through education or the proper way to live.
Now for you my dear Pastor David, please struggle no more because wealth is not for everyone, some are satisfied with just a little. The good thing is that in the eyes of God, you are doing exactly what He asks you to and these words of encouragement never fall on dry ground, they are seeds that are planted in our hearts as you will not notice, those that listen take note and if they have children, they will make sure that their offspring get the message, even when it’s not for them, they have someone else whom they know will benefit from these words. I would like to urge you to not let our lack of empowerment discourage you because some of us truly appreciate when their leaders show care in their lives, I know I do.
Everyone, have a great day, be blessed.
wh
Hey Pastor,
ReplyDeleteYou are running a chapter ahead of us. Day 37 on the pamphlet is Proverbs Chapter 9. Just thought I would let you know. God Bless You!
Good Morning Pastor David & Christ Church Family!
ReplyDeleteI do wholeheartedly agree with Pastor David that a person who is lazy can be compared to a hustler. Hustling is a major contributor to laziness. For we know the importance of being transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2). The other contributor (I think) can be directly related to "various forms of fear"; including but not limited to: insecurity, past failures, doubts and rejection. The enemy uses these very real emotional traps/pitfalls, to deter, distract and steal a person's joy and true calling in life. The enemy inverts a person's view of themselves. I have known and grew up with many hustlers and the one thing most of them had in common is "intellect". However, after bad experiences (tragedies), they became convinced, (yielded), gravitated toward the lazy road where there were many, so-called friends/family to keep them company -- misery loves company. Talk about a false sense of security? But in their world/mind, they found a place where they could maintain some money, a little street reputation without regard for the manner in which they chose to get there.
At any rate, I agree with you WH that wealth is not for everyone. We are reminded of this in Mark 4:8) which reads: And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased and brought forth, some 30 and some 60 and some a hundred. Also reference Matt. 13:8, 23), in vv. 23 it says but he that "receives" seed into the good ground is he that hears the Word and understands (application of wisdom) it, which also bears fruit and brings forth some 100, some 60 and some 30. In other words, we need to be mindful that even if motivated by observance of someone else's (diligent hands)successes and accomplishments God will only prosper us according to our measure in Him, anything beyond that I believe is refered to as Grace and Mercy. What kind of soil are the seeds being planted? For in due season a person will reap what has been sown and the Word says it "will spring up"...Ahhh, the manifestations of God! The lazy person (hustler) will never see.
The thought here is to run the race God has set before you, not to be envious or jealous or vain glorious. Whatever your gifts, skills and talents (30, 60 or 100 ) a person should focus on always doing their best with all that God has for them according to His Will and His Word. With that said and tried (O taste and see that the Lord is good... Psalms 34:8) laziness will be a thing of the past (if this was ever an issue).
To be a living example for God is the best approach, in expressing and loving the lazy folk in our lives (or that we encounter)...and then there is FAITH, HOPE and LOVE that we as Christians, can love them either way the person chooses to live. That is VICTORY!
To be a living sactuary pure and holy, tried and true and with thanksgiving, I'll be a living sactuary just for you!
For the Love of God,
Shaun
A Virtuous Woman
Good Evening,
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of a sermon that I heard entitled, "What's in your hand?" The essence of the message was that many times God uses what we already have "in our hands". In the same way that God asked Moses in Exodus 4:2 a similar question. Moses had to "do" something and add faith in order for God to move or produce results. When I encounter those who are lazy but want wealth or success I direct them to study those who have obtained these things (righteously of course) and do likewise. I often say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, the same way and expecting a different result. If their way AIN'T working, there must be another way. There really are no easy shortcuts to lasting success.
Continued Blessings,
Cyndi
Pastor David,
ReplyDeleteYour Creative Income Streams sermon is one of the best biblical based business lessons I have ever heard. I've shared the message of your sermon on my Facebook Biz page, Twitter account and with numerous people during the past 2 days. I found myself again sharing your message this AM at planning meeting for a business conference. What a POWERFUL sermon!
I have found that helping people understand how business systems/models can be incorporated into their activities is key to helping them make the transition from "hustle" to being "diligent."
When people (1) do not have a vision for what they are ultimately trying to accomplish and (2) do not understand that a system can take them from "where they are" to "where they want to be" it can be difficult to stayed focused and diligent.
So ... I think knowledge + examples of success are important to overcoming lazy behavior and also transforming "hustlers" into diligent entrepreneurs.
Sermons that contain actionable lessons like your sermons on the importance of vision, purpose and multiple streams of income are so powerful because they inspire, motivate and keep us grounded in the Word of God. Thank You!
Blessings to all!
T.C.