Now we want each of you to demonstrate the same diligence for the final realization of your hope, so that you won’t become lazy, but imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance.–Hebrews 6:11-12
If we made a list of hindrances to athletes today, what would it include? Drugs? Violence? Selfishness? Anger? Cheating? What if I said laziness was one of the top three hindrances to athletes? Some may disagree because of the intense training and conditioning of today’s athletes. I agree they are conditioned, ripped, and seem to be more physically conditioned than ever before, but I’m not talking about physical laziness.
Hebrews 6:12 describes “lazy” as something dull, unexciting; something that is slow or has lost its momentum. In other words, not moving with the same velocity and aggressiveness it once had. This is a picture of someone who has lost his drive—like sitting in a sports car and only shifting the gear into neutral.
We may be in top shape, but have we lost the inward drive to succeed? The saddest moment is not when a team loses; it’s when someone loses their intense conviction about a matter once of great importance to them. Have we lost the passion and momentum in our lives? If laziness has slowly crept in, we must ask God to correct the problem, spending time in prayer and asking His forgiveness. Shift out of neutral, back into high gear and seek after God’s best with a heart full of passion!
1. Can you see how laziness has crept into our lives today? Is laziness in your life?
2. Have you ever noticed laziness in your team?
3. In Hebrews 6:12, whom are we supposed to imitate?
Proverbs 6:6-11; 12:27; Romans 12:10-12
Heavenly Father, forgive me for allowing laziness to creep into my life. I ask for Your help. I want to be all You have called me to be. Ignite my heart, my passion, and allow Your Spirit within me to rise up! Please take me out of neutral and shift my heart into high gear as I serve You. Amen.