The lazy man works in such a way as to avoid work. He is then the brother to the person who waste his time, talent and ability (Prov. 18:9). One chapter later the lazy man hides his hand so he will not have to put effort forth to bring food to his mouth (Prov. 19:24). It takes great effort to raise a family, manage one’s money and make the best use of time. The righteous man does not live by “hand-outs” but exerts himself in life to bring about a good result. A man may not be rich but if he is diligent and works hard, he will for the most part gain the respect of his neighbors and friends.
Why then when we move to spiritual conduct does the rules change? The Christian is to use the Word of God in the correct way. Where does that come from? It comes from individuals studying the Word of God to gain His approval. The giving of our money is based on our individual wealth as well as the concern we have for the work of the Lord. Studying falls into the same kind of thinking. We study to be approved of God (2 Tim. 2:15). You may study more or less than I do but the standard is that my studying is approved by God. The Christian life has this banner of all we do. We strive to please God by keeping His commands (I John 1:22).
It appears in some circles that people fear being called a command keeper. How would any of us rewrite the words of Jesus? Jesus said whoever hears what I teach and does it builds his house (life) on the solid foundation (Mat. 7:24). May any of us be so arrogant as to say we could write the Bible better than what the Spirit revealed about what Jesus said? What would it mean if we do an excellent job of interpreting the words, “…and doeth them”? Does this sound like non action or being indifferent about sin? Are these not words which call upon all of us to be receptive to what Jesus has taught us?
James tells us to lay aside certain things which God would say is sin. When a person lays aside those things then they must receive the Word which is able to save the soul (James 1:21). Look carefully at verse 21 and find the word, meekness. Meekness involves the control of one’s spirit. We therefore receive the Word with a desire to control our spirit. The control of the spirit of man by the words which the Spirit of God has given us has the power to save our souls. Paul in his last meeting with the elders from Ephesus, said that he commended them to the God and the Word of His grace which was able to build them up. If the Word has the power to save and to build up, why then would I seek for some “mysterious movement of the Spirit of God” to verify my relationship with God?
What it boils down to either effort or choosing the route of being lazy spiritually. Those who hold up signs on our streets and at intersections asking for food and or money are said for the most part to be guilty of being lazy. They do not want to search for a job but rather stand on a street corner and strive to get people to give them money for nothing. When people come to worship and that is the only time they connect with a Bible, they are not interested enough to put effort in to learn about God. God instructs us to know that faith without works is dead (James 2:24). What is the opposite of this? It is a person who acts on their faith. The way James tells us is, we are to be doers of the word we have received (James 2: 21,22).
Saul on the road to Damascus had an encounter with the Lord (Acts 9). His question to the Lord was, what will Thou have me do (Acts 9:6). He was told to go to Damascus which he did. There in Damascus he was told by Ananias to arise and be baptized. The purpose of which was to wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). He became at that point a doer of the word he had received which is what faith is. The law of faith under which we live is a daily looking into the perfect law of liberty in order that we might be saved.