Slacker

My daughter has commented at least once a week, for the last month, that I need to update this blog. So, in honor of my first child, here is an article that is fitting.

Slacker! I’ve been challenged in the past while watching students at the academy and at the college, by this word “slacker.” I was reminded of the word this morning as I was greeted by Mark, “Do you have your article done?” “No,” I replied, “But I will soon.” To which he exclaimed, “Slacker!” It reminded me of Proverbs 18:9 where it says, “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.” (NIV) You know, we don’t like to be labeled with this word, but often we deserve it (as I did this morning). I’ve known that this article is due on this day for months now. Mark reminded me then, and he reminded me last week. So what’s my excuse? I’ll have time later, I thought.

My mom used to say, “Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.” I wonder if she got that from another verse in Proverbs were it says, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow" — when you now have it with you.” (Proverbs 3:27-28) Couple those verses with these. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (Colossians 3:23-24) This puts a new light on the work slacker all of a sudden.

I’ve watched so many students (myself included) put off the homework assignment that they were given at the beginning of the semester until the day before it was due and then stay up all night to finish it, knowing that it isn’t the best that can be done. Only to hand it in saying, “It’s good enough.” Well is it? Is it good enough when you are doing it for the Lord? I don’t think so! There’s much that can be said on this subject, but I think I’ll close with another set of verse from a wise man.

I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man. (Proverbs 24:30-34)

Slacker! I don’t want to carry that label around with me any where. I don’t want to be named in the same family as the one who destroys. Thanks Mark, for reminding me. That’s what brothers are for.