Getty Up Part III: Spiritual Laziness is Dangerous

There are so many reasons we can’t afford to be spiritually lazy, including the fact that it leaves us vulnerable to the enemy. As believers we are messengers sent into the world, representing our King. In Matthew 10:16 Jesus said,

“Behold,

I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves,

so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

Like sheep with wolves, we have no defense against Satan apart from Christ. Jesus didn’t give us this heads up to scare us, but to warn us of the importance of being diligent to watch and to trust in Him as our shield. We see this in Luke’s account of those sent,

“Go your way;

behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.

Carry no moneybag, no knapsack, no sandals,

and greet no one on the road.”

Luke 10:3-4

What a picture that provides of heading out with watchfulness and an attitude of waiting on the Lord to supply, defend, prompt, and provide opportunity. If we go out as sent ones in our own power, wisdom, and provision the wolves will eat us up. As Proverbs 19:15a says,

“Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep…”

Spiritual laziness puts us to sleep, so that the evil one can sneak up on us. But by God’s grace we have the privilege of seeing with the lens of His wisdom. This spurs us on to be diligent to hear and obey Him, where we have purpose and protection.