The book of Proverbs is a guide for pursuing godly wisdom in our daily lives. In this four-week study, we will read a selection of topical proverbs covering different aspects of wisdom, from how to interact with our friends, families, and neighbors, to fearing God and keeping His commands. No matter the subject, these proverbs urge us to wrestle with and reflect on our own response to them. To help you better engage with the proverbs in this reading plan, we have provided you with a short introduction and reflection questions for each day.
Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). The instruction to pray for daily sustenance implies that we are meant to always be engaged in the work and provision of life. We are not meant to be workaholics, but neither should we be idle. Work has existed since before the fall, when God created Adam to rule over the garden. We are called to engage with the life and work we’ve been given.
Reflection Questions:
In what areas of your life are you the most diligent? What does Scripture call us to be diligent about?
What does Proverbs 13:11 tell you about the nature of your work?
What does laziness look like in your life? Why is laziness a gospel issue?
@LV
I feel that way sometimes! It ebbs and flows for me but one thing I found that keeps me accountable is my planner. Seems silly but the Christian Planner has a weekly habit tracker that I put things like “walk the dog” and “eat veggies” and if I can’t check them off it bugs me! Turn your “wishes” into action – just pick one thing this week and hold yourself accountable. I don’t always get there but it does get me atleast moving forward (except for flossing – that box I just cannot seem to get checked off each week)!
I feel like I’m never diligent about anything anymore. I used to at least work hard in school but now I don’t even have that. I wish I was more structured in how I ate and exercised and spent money and everything else. I feel pretty lazy.
This is very well said. I am feeling very similarly.
*to do … oops
Laziness is a gospel issue in that we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do the work he prepared for us to long beforehand. We have new life only through Jesus and we steward that new life by doing the “work” God gives us to do for His glory.
I have been catching up on Jennie Allen’s Made for This podcast and heard a brief snippet of a talk from John Mark Comer where he said rest is a spiritual weapon. That it is harder for Satan to tempt well rested people who are healthy physically, mentally, emotionally, etc. I think that ties in well with the thoughts below regarding how to distinguish true rest and laziness. I have a 4 month old and almost 3 year old and agree with some of the other moms that there is not a lot of down time. However, I do find my days filled with more joy and purpose and grace when I start them with Jesus. Also fine I also feel more refreshed and filled to do my work of being a home maker when I use my down time to be in the Word, pray, journal, exercise, be outside, connect with family/friends (most often virtually still these days but sometimes in person). Such a good reminder in these days to work diligently at the things we do have control over: making time for Jesus, our attitudes, how we care for our homes and our people. Love to all of you sisters and thank you for sharing.
❤️
Praying for your husband’s surgery, Pam.