Last night, Toby told Emma she was lazy, which really upset her because we emphasize not being lazy. His justification is that she does not run around as much as him! So of course, this raised the question, what exactly is "lazy"?
Our response was to explain to both kids that directionless activity does not constitute not being lazy! Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and as a family we work together and support each other. Where Toby has boundless energy, he can lack focus and attention to detail. Where Emma lacks desire to move, she can focus, accomplish goals and has a heart to help.
We often tell the kids that being lazy can be the result of too much TV, eating unhealthily and general lack of participation. So Toby can be excused for equating it solely with that. In fact, the dictionary definition supports that:
Simple Definition of lazy
: not liking to work hard or to be active
: not having much activity
: causing people to feel that they do not want to be activeOur response was to explain to both kids that directionless activity does not constitute not being lazy! Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and as a family we work together and support each other. Where Toby has boundless energy, he can lack focus and attention to detail. Where Emma lacks desire to move, she can focus, accomplish goals and has a heart to help.
We often tell the kids that being lazy can be the result of too much TV, eating unhealthily and general lack of participation. So Toby can be excused for equating it solely with that. In fact, the dictionary definition supports that:
Simple Definition of lazy
: not liking to work hard or to be active
: not having much activity
: moving slowly
But laziness, which the Bible cautions us against, is more of an attitude, a heart issue.
Proverbs 13:4 ESV
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
Proverbs 14:23 ESV
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
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.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
So, while there is certainly a connection between lack of physical activity and lack of work, it is of greater concern if we are spiritually lazy - failing to do that which God has asked us to do. Running around being busy all our days does not mean we are being productive or obedient.
It's a great word picture of how appearances can be deceiving! Walking with God, for the long haul, requires a balance of rest and exertion. We just have to make sure that the exertion is purposeful and mot merely a distraction!!
But laziness, which the Bible cautions us against, is more of an attitude, a heart issue.
Proverbs 13:4 ESV
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV
For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.
Proverbs 14:23 ESV
In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.
Colossians 3:23-24 ESV
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.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 ESV
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
So, while there is certainly a connection between lack of physical activity and lack of work, it is of greater concern if we are spiritually lazy - failing to do that which God has asked us to do. Running around being busy all our days does not mean we are being productive or obedient.
It's a great word picture of how appearances can be deceiving! Walking with God, for the long haul, requires a balance of rest and exertion. We just have to make sure that the exertion is purposeful and mot merely a distraction!!
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