Westside church of Christ - Irving, Texas

Summer Laziness

by Josh Kirby

“Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on the mountains of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to your husbands, ‘Bring now, that we may drink!’” (Amos 4:1). The prophet indicted these wealthy women lazing on their beds calling for their husbands to wait on them. It isn’t a hard stretch to find ourselves doing something similar, especially during the summer months.

It seems that the warmer the weather, the less disciplined and productive people become. The scorching days and clammy nights of summer often leave us wanting to do little more than lounge in our lawn chairs or sit comfortably in our air-conditioned homes. Summer laziness is a concern.

Summer is a time of opportunity. People often have more discretionary time during the summer than during other times of the year. Better weather means more opportunities for outdoor activities and travel. But summer is also a time when many Christians allow themselves to become spiritually lazy. Summer schedules are often filled with secular interests and activities, and downtime is devoted to recovering from the previous activity and preparing for the next. God wants us to be productive in life, but especially in spiritual pursuits. Listen to the wise man: “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise” (Proverbs 6:6). If we take this seriously, we can resist the temptation of summer laziness by pursuing spiritual disciplines.

One important discipline is planning. Just as we plan BBQs and vacations, we must plan spiritual activities. If we expect to find time for spiritual activities this summer, most likely we will not find it. Consequently, leisure will dominate our schedules. We must decide to make time for spiritual activity and commit ourselves to it before summer gets underway. Make time for fellowship with the Lord and with brethren. Set aside time in your summer schedule to pursue a more intimate relationship with God and with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Make time for Bible study and prayer. Plan to study your Bible and pray regularly, even when you are on vacation. Make time for evangelism. Summer often provides additional opportunities to talk to others about spiritual things. Use your discretionary time for Bible studies and devotionals, and not just picnics and baseball games. Make time for service. On your block, there may be someone who needs help mowing their lawn or shopping. There are likely brethren in your area who cannot be active in a hot climate and need help with summer chores. Planning to serve is the only way you will serve.

Two related disciplines are commitment and diligence. Spiritual activities are not completed without effort. They require initiative and action. Decide to stick to your spiritual plans, and do not underestimate the power of momentum. Positive momentum makes discipline easier, while negative momentum handicaps motivation. A few days of summer laziness will make activity the next day more difficult.

Accountability may be a key factor in overcoming spiritual laziness. Solicit the help of another person, perhaps a spouse or a friend. Overcoming spiritual laziness will be easier with support. This principle applies to every aspect of our spiritual lives: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

God created us in Christ for good works and wants us to walk in them (Eph. 2:10). He redeemed us from lawlessness that we might be zealous for good works (Tit. 2:14). These commands make habitual laziness a sin. Laziness is not exclusively a summer problem, but it is a special temptation of summer. We must not forget that diligent work will be rewarded: “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:9); “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

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Abundant Life: May 2009