The Cure for Laziness

In the world, housewives have a bit of a reputation. A popular argument is that we who choose to stay home rather than take employment are lazy. The mommy war is gory as ever right now as mothers battle with one another over whose decision- the working mom or the stay-at-home mom- is the right one. If a person isn’t playing the “lazy card”, they are probably siding with the argument that staying home with your children and to care for your household is a waste of your mind and talents. It’s a sensitive topic these days, but I want to zone in on the stay-at-home moms today and hit one very key issue right on the head.

The Bible has quite a lot to say about laziness. So much, in fact, that one cannot deny this is an important topic to its Writer. God created us; He knows that our flesh desires to be selfish, and laziness is selfish. Laziness is ignoring the needs of the people and responsibilities in your life. Or, as the dictionary puts it, laziness is indolence; inactivity resulting from a dislike of work. It is selfishness and it is neglect.

There are two women in the Bible who are not given names, but titles. The first is “wise”, the second is “foolish”.

Proverbs 14:1

The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.

I imagine the wise woman looks much like the woman of Proverbs 31. She works hard with her hands, makes her husband happy and content, and her children praise her. When I think about the foolish woman, I imagine myself on the days I have sat on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, playing Song Pop and texting friends while the kids and I have a Yo Gabba Gabba marathon. Yes, I admit there are plenty of times during my week where I, unfortunately, resemble the foolish woman more than the wise. Thankfully, I serve a graceful, loving God who is always ready to pour mercy on me. But because I love Him and want to please Him, I continue to strive to be like Him, to live my life the way He is calling me to.

Now, please understand, there is a deep need for people, especially moms, to take a respite- a short period of rest from something difficult- on a regular basis. Without this, you will be unable to thrive in your calling as a stay-at-home mother. You cannot go on empty, and you cannot pull water from an empty well. You have to take a break and allow your spirit and energy to be restored. The key here is to keep our respite just that- a respite. Keep it brief and refreshing, then get back to work. We must not allow laziness to creep in.

God has graciously left us desperate homemakers a key to unlocking a door- the door to the possibility of actually living this way. We find it in Psalm 73:26.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Our flesh fails. It’s lazy, selfish, and inconsiderate. When we allow these traits to rule our lives, it is sin. When we feel like we cannot deny these traits, can’t get past them, it is because we are not getting our energy from the right source. God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. We must pull from the Well of life and be refreshed!  We are not able to fight laziness on our own. Our flesh will fail, daily. But God never fails. He is perfection and all-powerful. Knowing this, why would we ever try to manage a home, respect our husbands, or raise godly children in our own strength? It doesn’t make any sense. But when I find myself doing it, yet again, I can ask forgiveness, shake it off, and get my energy to carry on from the Ultimate Source. He’s there and waiting for me (and you)  to come to Him, with nothing but grace and open arms.