Daily Devotion Mon. 1/5/2017

7/5/2017 LESSON 10
FLEE LAZINESS, EMBRACE DILIGENCE
Quarter’s Theme: UNDERSTANDING BIBLICAL STEWARDSHIP
Unit 3: Pathway To Prosperity (Lessons 7-12)
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 114, 150
Devotional Reading: PROV. 6:6-11
Topic For Adults
GOD HATES INDOLENCE
Topic For Youths
DILIGENCE LEADS TO PROMINENCE
Topic For Intermediates
DON’T BE LAZY
Scripture Lesson
GEN. 2:1-8,15; 2 THESS. 3:6-15;
PROV. 22:29
(PRESERVATION AND CONSOLIDATION MONTH)
MEMORY VERSE
Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. Prov. 22:29 (NKJV)
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Mon. 1/5/2017
God Hates Slothfulness
Matt. 25:14-30
Today’s passage teaches us stewardship, accountability and faithfulness in all we do as Christians. God expects us to manage our time, abilities, and possessions well so as to bring the greatest possible return to His kingdom. The passage also shows us that God hates laziness. The act of hiding the talent by one of the servants wasn’t an act of prudence but that of slothfulness. There are Christians that sometimes use certain scriptures to justify their indolence. The master of that servant was obviously not expecting him to bring forth ten or five talents as his profit. He was not condemned because he failed to make as much profit as others made, but because he failed to put his talent to use. While others were busy trading with theirs, the slothful servant became a busybody in other men’s matters. There is joy and a sense of fulfilment and responsibility in labour. Laziness leads to lack and want, and sometimes depression. The outburst of the servant telling his master, “…you are a wicked master, reaping where you did not sow…” shows his depression and anger. People in such situation often blame external factors for their woeful conditions; they blame the church, blame their parents, and blame their countries, while others blame the devil. Slothfulness can deny us of greatness and fulfilment in destiny! It leads to poverty and make able-bodied persons to become dependants.
POINT OF EMPHASIS: Everyone has got a talent to engage with productively; so stop being lazy.
PRAYER POINT: Oh Lord, deliver Your church from every form of laziness.