sloth is a deadly sin

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from Proverbs 18:9. It says, "A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things." That certainly brings the quote by Edmund Burke (in the pic above) to mind, doesn't it?

In fact, it brings up the idea of sloth. See, sloth doesn't just mean being lazy and sitting around doing nothing. It doesn't just mean staying in bed all day. It means being sluggish about doing good. Having a careless, "so what?" attitude about the things of God.

As you know all too well, the world has some struggles these days. Mass shootings every week. A polarized country that seems incapable of civilized dialogue. Militant groups that are increasingly hating other groups, whether it's white supremacists hating other ethnicities, militant groups pushing new gender and sexual identity fluidity on those who are unwilling to accept this brave new world, or radical Islam attacking some new large group to spread terror.

And if we, followers of Jesus, just sit back and eat, drink, and are merry while all of this happens around us, then we are "as bad as someone who destroys things."

Well, what can I do? you might be thinking. I don't know how to stop ISIS, or demilitarize white supremacist groups... I don't want to be lazy, but I don't know what to do?

The first, and best, thing that you can do is pray. God knows what needs to happen. As you see opportunities in your life to make a difference, move in that direction. He will guide you into more chances to make a difference. They might be small. Small is good! Small is needed. Small actions done in love change the world.

God, thank You for calling us to make a difference in this world. Please help us not be slothful about it.