Getty Up Part XI: Spiritual Laziness Brings Captivity

“Watch,

stand fast in the faith,

be brave,

be strong.” 

1 Corinthians 16:13

I love the United States military for their sacrifice to protect our freedom. What a spiritual example they are. If we refuse to spiritually watch and stand fast, we will find ourselves fearful rather than brave, and weak rather than strong. Satan brings in a false plan that gives the appearance of freedom by telling us to dismiss the commands of God; stay busier with everything else rather than getting still with the Lord. It’s a tactic that causes us to take down the very fences that protect us from him. Proverbs 12:24 says,

“The hand of the diligent will rule,

while the slothful will be put to forced labor.”

Sin may seem enjoyable for a season, but it is always robbing us of freedom and tightening the chains. The Lord told Cain in Genesis 4:7,

“If you do well, will you not be accepted?

And if you do not do well,

sin is crouching at the door.

Its desire is contrary to you,

but you must rule over it.”

2 Timothy 2:26 speaks of how God’s repentance leads to the knowledge of the truth,

“…and they may come to their senses

and escape from the snare of the devil,

after being captured by him to do his will.”

Godly diligence provides spiritual rest and freedom. Spiritual laziness that flows with the world may seem easy for a time, but it always produces captivity. Galatians 5:1 says,

“For freedom Christ has set us free;

stand firm therefore,

and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” 

Let’s put some "getty up” in that. We’ll be so glad we did.