A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
Proverbs 13:4

You can’t get far in the Proverbs without coming face-to-print with the sluggard. His exploits – or lack thereof – are legendary. He doesn’t start things (20:4) and doesn’t finish them either (19:24), is always unsatisfied (13:4), makes excuses (22:13), is undisciplined in sleep (6:9), annoys those who deal with him (10:26), and yet thinks quite well of himself (26:16). Put it all together and most of us will shrug and say, “Not me” before moving on. But wait. While you probably aren’t all of these together, it’s likely you see yourself in at least one of these descriptions, or maybe you’re lazy in one area of your life even though you’re industrious in others.

I confess, every day of my life is a fight against laziness. It’s my natural state. But while genuine rest is refreshing and work well done is a joy, being lazy is deeply unsatisfying. You and I were created to be productive and creative so anything less will leave us empty. More than that, we were saved to love our neighbor and love God with all our mind, heart, soul, and strength (Matthew 22:37-39). What a relief then that God not only redeems our souls, he also redeems our time and attitude. 

God, thank you for the good gifts of work and creativity. Where I choose to take the easy way out or put off responsibility, would you convict my heart and remind me that I was made for something better?