I must admit...I fall into its trap. Often. Daily even...
I see many folks fall into its trap.
And we have some great excuses...some really good ones.
However, like I said...I think its a dangerous trend.
I think a quote by Robert Heinlein best gets at the root of the problem:
"Progress is made by lazy men looking for easier ways to do things".
Is the invention of the motor vehicle progress? Definitely, but I also think it also allows us to be lazy.
I often drive down to the youth house to grab something, instead of walking. Its probably barely a tenth of a mile, but I still walk it. I say its a time issue, but in reality, I'm just being lazy.
Is the invention of the cell phone progress? Of course, there are many great perks to cell phones. However, I think it has also allowed us to become increasingly lazy. Instead of calling and having a real conversation with someone, a quick text will do. We often just text when we do not really want to "face" talking to someone. Cell phones are progress, but they have also lead to lazy friendships and relationships.
Is the invention of the computer progress? Without a doubt. But how many hours do we waste on facebook, online games, email, youtube, etc.? It is unreal how lazy computers allow us to be at times.
I could go on, but I think you get the point. There are so many things we call progress, that have simply just allowed us to be lazy.
But it is not just technology where we are lazy. How many of these statements are familiar?
"I'll start going to the gym tomorrow."
"I'll start my diet tomorrow."
"I'll just do those dishes tomorrow."
"I'll start that project tomorrow."
Once again, I could go on.
What bothers me as well is that it seems many of us, most of us, just do not like to work for things anymore.
I read in a book recently that this current teenage generations motto is "when the going gets tough, just quit and do something else."
If things are hard, we just give up.
Getting in shape takes work and is hard, so we just ignore it.
Being financially sound takes work and is hard, so we just spend and swipe the credit card.
Dieting is hard, so we just order the fries and burger.
I have given guitar lessons to many youth before and I have had more youth quit than stick with it over the last 10 years. The number one reason... "it's just too hard and I don't want to try."
This isn't just a teenage problem though. This is a problem I see with adults and youth alike. Putting forth effort and putting the work in to something hard just seems like a lost art.
It is no surprise that this same attitude filters into our spiritual lives.
A solid prayer life takes work...so we just do not try.
Understanding scripture takes time and effort, and the patience to sit still and listen for God to speak...but we are too lazy to put that time in.
Fasting is hard, and we'd just rather not take the time.
And yet, you ask most folks and they are frustrated with where they are in their relationship with God.
Most of us want to be closer to God, but most of us are just too lazy to put in the time.
We want to pray more, but that extra 15 minutes of sleep is just too important.
We want to read more scripture, but we are too lazy to discipline ourselves to make it a priority.
What do you think would happen to your friendships, marriages and family relationships if you approached them with the same laziness you approach your faith with?
I have a feeling if I was as lazy in my relationship with Amy, as I am with God at times, our marriage wouldn't last very long.
How much energy are you putting into your relationship with God?
If you've been lazy, putting forth little effort, it is not too late to change.
I know you probably have some great excuses and reasons as to why you've been lazy with your faith. I know that I have some excuses that could make a top 10 best excuses of all times list.
However, it is only day 2 of Lent... the time when we are supposed to focus our heart, mind, soul and strength on God.
I think Lent this year is a great time to shed that laziness.
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