Lethargy
“A certain boss, when asked how many people work for him, replied, “About half of them.”
Such a statement may elicit at least a wry smile, but the fact is that it is increasingly true in our modern culture. Laziness, however, is not something to laugh at because of its debilitating effect. Solomon wrote, “Because of laziness the building decays, and through idleness of hands the house leaks” (Ecclesiastes 10:18). When considered on a physical level, laziness results in degeneration and breakdown.
On a spiritual level, the Church of God, like the world around us, is affected by lethargy too! We know well Christ’s warning to both the wise and the foolish virgins who are living at the time of His return. “But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept” (Matthew 25:5). Both the wise and the foolish were slumbering. Despite living in conditions that mirrored the days of Noah, even the wise were somewhat lethargic. That should concern us all!
Regarding His imminent return, Christ said, “For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:35–36). We are to be watchful of our spiritual condition. The word translated as “watch” here literally means to be sleepless, that is, keep awake.
Are we awake? We have all experienced on a physical level, the subtle transition that takes place between being awake and falling asleep. One minute we are awake and aware, and the next one we are not. But how can we discern it on a spiritual level?
There is a principle we can extrapolate from something King David was inspired to write. He is speaking of some who hated him and were thus spiritually asleep. “God will hear, and afflict them, even He who abides from of old. Selah because they do not change, therefore they do not fear God” (Psalm 55:19). Those who are spiritually asleep do not change because they do not fear God. Are we changing?
The foolish virgins of Matthew 25 slowly took their eyes off of what they needed to overcome until it became habitual, and then, unbeknownst to them, fell into deep sleep. They had ceased working with the Holy Spirit and were therefore unrecognizable to Christ at His return.
Even though we do get tired and slumber some, we must be found among Christ’s servants who work at overcoming out of a deeply abiding love and reverent fear of God. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:20–21).
Marshall Stiver
