Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

A professor once entered a classroom filled with lazy students. In an attempt to motivate them, he asked, "I’d like to give an award for the laziest student in this class. Who is the laziest one here?" All the students in the class—except for one—raised their hands enthusiastically to prove themselves worthy of the title. The professor smiled, impressed that one student chose not to compete for the award.

He asked the student, "Why didn’t you raise your hand?" 

The student replied, "I felt too lazy to raise my hand."

And the award, of course, went to him.

Proverbs 19:24 says, “The sluggard buries his hand in the dish but will not even bring it back to his mouth.”

The lazy man fails to act, not because he can’t, but because he simply won’t. God’s Word is clear: we are called to work hard and give our best. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to “work with all [our] hearts, as working for the Lord.”

I believe laziness often stems from a lack of purpose. I know many people, including myself, who’ve fallen victim to laziness after losing their sense of meaning. It’s always easier to do nothing than to pursue a solution.

As a father, my purpose is to protect my children. If my house were on fire, laziness wouldn’t be an option. I’d go to work immediately—kicking down the door, charging through the flames, and risking it all to save the ones I love. Why? Because I have purpose in that moment—to protect and rescue my children from certain death. 

As Christians, we are given purpose through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have a responsibility to tell our stories, share our testimonies, and proclaim the gospel to those around us. We are called to work hard, live lives above reproach, and be the salt and light of the world. 

When we read God’s Word and internalize His purpose, laziness has no place to stay. That commitment should extend into every area of our lives—from household chores to our 9–5 jobs. Let your work ethic bring glory to God on high.

Dry bones didn’t come to life just to turn into lazy bones.

Read Colossians 3:17, and reflect on God’s purpose for your life. How are you living it out daily?

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.

• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

Prayer:

God, we thank You for the work You’ve given us. Help us to perform the duties You’ve called us to with rigor and determination. Give us steadfastness to stay the course when quitting seems like the best option. Let us not give up when times are rough. Strengthen our resolve to do the best we can in every task and relationship. We love You. Amen.