Flee Laziness
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?” (Prov 6:6-9)
On this Trinity Sunday, we are reminded of the part in the creation story when God said ‘let us make…’, and of Jesus’ instruction regarding baptism – ‘in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’: God in Three Persons is the Blessed Trinity, and our faith is firm in this doctrine. As we affirm out faith using the creeds, we describe each Person at work: the Father created heaven and earth; the Son saves and redeemed mankind, the Holy Spirit guides and gives life. Let work be today’s Trinity lesson, and determine by all means to flee laziness, even following the wisdom of Proverbs 6.
When we read of Uganda’s 41% youth neither in employment nor education training, and then quickly notice that the gangs terrorizing motorists on the Northern Bypass comprise youth of 14 to 25 years old, a correlation must be quickly drawn. Also check the age of those spending time in idleness, drugs, smoking, breaking into houses, watching movies… these are the same youth who are part of the above unemployment statistic! Is it just unemployment or there is a huge component of laziness? To get better convinced, observe the much unused land, and the construction sites near these youth yet workers have to be imported from far away villages. Laziness is such a nasty enemy that eats its victim slowly but surely, and endangers neighbourhoods and the Kingdom of God at large. Laziness pushes people into a corner, then then panic, then enter stealing and cheating exams, then fall prey to dubious and immoral deals, then more laziness and weakness – a terrible and lethal cycle!
When the Church and family celebrated the life of Canon Constance Kabonero who passed away on 30 May 2023, she was not only hailed as one who fearlessly served God as a lay canon, but also as a prominent farmer and entrepreneur. With many others, she exemplified the true spirit of serving the God who is actively at work. She was a qualified midwife but also pursued her entrepreneurial dreams from a young age, and was one of the first women in Ankole to own and operate a general merchandize shop. Hard work is tantamount to responsible stewardship, and will be commended by God, who demands accountability from those He has gifted and equipped in whatever measure.
The ant in Prov 6 is given as an example of the hardworking trait that God engrained in his created beings, including humans. Is it not challenging enough? Let us endeavour to rouse one another to outperform the ant, flee laziness and work with and for our Maker.
God bless you!