A young man was visiting his hometown. He drove around to see the changes that had happened in the past five years. As he drove, he was surprised to see a new bridge across a railway track. Excited, he drove fast and crashed on the railway track as the bridge was only constructed in parts. He was admitted to a hospital while the police filed a case against him for rash driving.
Negligence: There were no roadblocks indicating that the bridge could not be used or any information board restricting access to the bridge. The people who were supposed to do this did their job with slackness or were negligent. Those who do their jobs, tasks, business, work, and roles with slackness are actually destroying what they are trying to build or contribute. “Whoever is slack in his work, is a brother to him who destroys. (Proverbs 18:9)
Diligence: Opposite of slackness is diligence, dutiful, devoted, and dedicated. Diligence is to apply mind, focus, use all resources and skills and perform excellently well. Such a person will be respected and regarded by kings or people in authority. (Proverbs 22: 29) Fulfilling duty with utmost faithfulness means to love our neighbours in truth.
Unto the Lord: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) All humans must work. Those who understand their work as a call of God, will do it to please the Lord. They will not try to please bosses but God Himself. A person could cook, work on the computer, write for the media, drive, weld, do woodwork…all done for God’s glory.
Curse for slackness: Prophet Jeremiah states that those who do the work of the Lord with slackness or be lethargic in God’s work will be cursed. (Jeremiah 48:10) A person teaching Sunday School without prayer or preparation could be cursed. Without daily discipline of meditating the Word, prayer if someone leads worship, s/he could be cursed. Preaching, teaching, counselling and leading without spiritual discipline will invite curses.
Are we engaged, enthusiastic and energetic in doing all we do?