Abundance of Idleness

Ezekiel 16:49-50, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”

Among other things, Sodom had a problem with idleness. What was the consequence of Sodom for their abundance of idleness (and other sins as well?) Verse 50 states that God took them from the earth because He saw it was good to take them. We know from the book of Genesis that God destroyed that city with fire and brimstone for their wickedness.

The Bible warns about laziness. Proverbs 10:4-5 says, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” 

Just like it was said of Sodom, it can be said of many Christians today that there is an abundance of idleness. Many Christians today are not doing nearly as much as they could for the Lord. Many Christians today just try to get by with doing the bare minimum. Romans 12:1 says, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” It is our reasonable service to live our lives for the Lord. Let’s not be lazy as Christians. Let there not be an abundance of idleness in our churches today. Let’s work hard to serve the Lord.