“The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road! There is a lion in the streets!” Proverbs 26:13
Devotional Thought For The Day
Just a reminder of the etymology of the word “sluggard,” that it derives from “slug” and has been used for centuries as a term denoting lazy people. The point of the proverb is that lazy people will use any excuse, regardless of how absurd, to justify remaining motionless and to motivate others to join them in lethargy. Fear is one of the more effective tools utilized to convince people not to do good things, and there are some people who have mastered this tactic. Whenever they are opposed to some project – whether out fear that it will require some work or investment on their part, lack of love for others, or animosity and malice toward others – they immediately set to work creating all kinds of “boogie men” to scare others and obstruct the project. Sometimes they are successful in this endeavor, and much good has been left undone because of these “chicken littles.”
One of the reasons why this tactic works is that we do live in a dangerous world, and we can make mistakes that can have dangerous, perhaps even devastating unintended consequences. So, caution and prudence is always advisable – and the proverbs frequently encourage utilizing the wisdom and expertise of others. However, fear is also part and parcel of our fallen sinful nature, and the opposite of faith and trust in God. How often does Jesus tell His followers “fear not!”? The line between appropriate caution and faithless fearfulness is often hard for us to discern. Add in our propensity to laziness and sluggardliness and we all too often end up on the wrong side of that line – frozen and inactive because of the “lion” out in the streets. Surely this is not pleasing to our heavenly Father, and to the Lord Jesus, Who reigns over all things and has promised to be working all things to our great good and blessedness!
Virtually everything that has to do with the kingdom of God involves risk and potential negative consequences from the unbelieving who are opposed to God’s kingdom. Often common sense and worldly wisdom dictate that churchly institutions avoid risks and guarantee their own survival and success. This is the same dynamic as that of the sluggard described in our proverb: we end up doing all kinds of “safe” things that have little benefit to the kingdom, and avoid doing the hard things [taking up our cross] that are of critical importance to the spiritual health and vitality of people. Oh, it appears that the church is “growing” and “active,” but the kingdom receives little benefit or growth. In fact, such “safety” can actually hinder the preaching of repentance and faith, and faithfulness to God’s Word. Lord, have mercy!
Thankfully God’s gracious mercy and forgiveness cleanses us also from all sins of laziness, fearfulness, and weak resignation to the threats of the world around us. In the assurance of God’s love and kindness we can once again hear the voice of our Savior urging us to “fear not.” He does not urge us to rash foolishness, but He does encourage us to take up our tasks with humble courage, resolve, and confidence – and assures us that even if there is a lion out in the street, He knows how to close its mouth and send it on its way. We need not fear, or first remove every boogie man. We need focus on faithfulness and love and He will see to the rest of it.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, remind us of how You took Pharaoh out of the way of Your ancient people, how You took Goliath out of David’s way, how You managed the lions for Daniel, and neutralized the threats of Nebuchadnezzar. Yes, we know that You and Your disciples also suffered much for faithfulness to the kingdom. Help us to see how that suffering was not without great benefit to us and many others. Grant that we be moved to such love and devotion, and give us courage always in our discipleship. Amen.