Have you ever just sat in the grass and watched ants work? I remember doing this as a child and was always amazed at how strong the ants were. They were always busy! I mean seriously, have you ever seen an ant sleeping?... I didn't think so. I'd sit and watch them and then feel bad for just watching so I'd have to get up and find something to do.
Proverbs 6:6 says,"Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise".
Many places in the Bible it talks about laziness and never once is it looked at in a positive light. Now it does talk about resting, having a day of rest, etcetera. Don't get laziness and rest mixed up. These are two very different things. Laziness is a choice whereas rest is a necessity.
I've never understood the mind set of a lazy person nor will I ever understand. From a very young age I was taught to work. Whether it was by helping around the house with chores or earning money for different things I wanted. I remember being 10 years old and riding my bike through the neighborhood with a friend, asking to wash people's cars for money! As I got older I babysat, saved aluminum cans, delivered groceries, threw news papers... there was always some way to make money for the different things I wanted. My parents made sure I and my siblings had what we needed and they sometimes just gave us things they knew we wanted because they loved us. They loved us enough though also to teach us the value of hard work and the pitfalls of a lazy character.
Proverbs 13:4 - The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.
There's a law of reaping and sowing. Whatever you 'plant' is what you will get back. This law is with anything in life. If you only give 50% in a relationship, that's probably what you're going to get back and the relationship will suffer. If you want to have a steak dinner but work just long enough to earn hot dogs and macaroni and cheese; guess what you're going to eat for dinner?
A friend I know works her tail off and has allowed me to use some of her story. She has two sons and a fiancé. Because she has the ability to make a better income right now rather than her fiancé, she is the breadwinner while he stays home with their kids. I've known this woman to work nearly a month straight in order to have the overtime hours so she could put money in savings. She works hard and provides well for her family. Her bills are paid. Food is on the table. Clothes are on her kid's backs, and on top of her full time job, she also has a second job selling makeup. I'm happy to say she's going back to school soon to become a nurse and I guarantee you she'll succeed. Why? Because laziness is not part of her character.
Proverbs 10:4 - He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.
I understand everyone needs a hand up at some point in life but if that hand up turns into a constant hand out; that's a problem. Be vigilant. Are you letting pride get in the way when you turn down a job flipping burgers or a custodian position because you think you're better than that job? Will that job put food on the table and pay the electric bill? It may not be a dream job but don't wait for the dream job to fall in your lap all the while your debt is piling up.
Colossians 3:23 - And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.
I end with this: regardless of your position in life; work hard! Take pride in what you do and give it 100%. No one starts at the top, but with hard work and dedication, goals can be achieved. Laziness will get you absolutely nowhere positive in life. Consider the ants and learn something new.
Until next time,
ActionJacksontheAngloSaxon
