Many people are sluggards or laggards, and lazy. The Bible describes four qualities of sluggards. (Proverbs 26:13-16) The four are an excellent analysis or diagnosis of the mind of a sluggard who gives excuses and even blames others for their pitiable status.
Lion in the road: It is an excuse for imagined or perceived dangers. Lions do not roam the streets; they roam in jungles. It is also being over-cautious. Some people hate discomfort and pain; hence, they invent reasons for not performing their mandate and call. Allergic to risk, being stagnant, and a lack of progress. Leadership is an adventure of faith. Always, adventures have risks.
A door turns on its hinges: Some people prefer to go on borrowed, worn-out tracks on roads. They are stuck in daily routines. They seem to be very busy, but not productive. Activity is not a synonym of progress. Sadly, they do not know the difference between busyness and productivity. If busyness is not leading to fruitfulness, it is like a door that turns on its hinges, not moving forward. Productivity, Fruitfulness, and progress are evidence of effective leadership.
Cannot bring his hand to his mouth: Good intentions are not good decisions. Good ideas are useless unless executed. Many start good projects, but never complete them, like New Year’s resolutions. Yes, there could be half-written articles, or books with just outlines, or incomplete projects. It is a discipline to start and finish well. Those who lack perseverance could end up as sluggards.
Wiser in his own eyes: The sluggard always compares himself with others. He mutters, “I can do better than him or her.” With an attitude of arrogance, a sluggard dismisses the good achievements of others. Sometimes, sluggards blame the context, environment, and methods, but never act. Some sluggards live in self-deception, stating that it is not the right time, and wait endlessly for an appropriate time. A sluggard hides or masks his incompetence and inability by criticizing others or blaming certain things.
Am I a sluggard or a diligent person in all areas of my life?