laziness – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms Sun, 08 Mar 2026 23:25:44 +0000 en hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-LaVistaBanner-Copy-1-32x32.png laziness – La Vista Church of Christ https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms 32 32 157465916 Scrolling https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/scrolling/ Sun, 08 Mar 2026 17:06:21 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=94409

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

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Text: II Timothy 3:1-7

 

I.         Maya sits down. She just needs a quick break before getting back to work.

            A.        She pulls up her social media on her phone, and her thumb naturally begins the familiar, rhythmic motion of scrolling the content upward.

            B.        Soon, she has looked through 20 vacation photos of people she barely knows, watch numerous recipe videos that she will never likely make, etc.

            C.        The brief break becomes an hour and a half.

            D.        She stops, but her brain feels sluggish, foggy, and scattered. It takes another 20 minutes before she can really focus on her work.

II.        Social media uses psychological principles to keep users engaged.

            A.        An example is the “infinite scroll,” which gives an endless list of content. There is no natural stopping point, so the user is tempted to go a bit further to see what is next

                        1.         Looking for novelty and entertainment because one is bored

                        2.         “This creates a reward loop similar to what's seen in gambling. You keep scrolling in anticipation of the next rewarding piece of content, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. This is a core element of the psychology behind scrolling and a major reason why it can feel so compulsive.” [“The Psychology of the Scroll: How Social Media Quietly Rewires Your Mood, Focus, and Self Worth”, Doral Health and Wellness]

            B.        It is sometimes called “doomscrolling” in reference to looking for bad or depressing news, though sometimes all compulsive scrolling is referred to as doomscrolling.

                        1.         There is a fear that you might be missing out, so you seek constant updates

                        2.         “... doomscrolling aligns with the ADHD brain's wiring: it provides constant stimulation, frequent little rewards, and an easy outlet for impulsivity, all while distorting your sense of time. It's no surprise that so many ADHDers describe feeling “sucked in” to this behavior.” [Olivia Guy-Evans, Msc, “ADHD Doomscrolling: How To Stop Mindless Scrolling”, Simply Psychology, 20 March 2025]

            C.        The algorithms for selecting content naturally gravitate toward more extreme content because curiosity and excitement causes a viewer to continue looking

                        1.         It become a gateway to things involving strong emotions, such as violence or sex.

                        2.         There is a natural reinforcement of what a person is inclined to believe. Inappropriate or extreme behavior is normalized because of the repeated exposure.

            D.        Motivations [Shilpa Kalyan, “The infinite scroll … exploring the motivations and individual differences in binge-watching behavior on porn tube sites”, Social Sciences & Humanities Open, Vol. 11, 2025].

                        1.         Excitement Seeking

                        2.         Diversion

                        3.         Fantasy

                        4.         Arousal (broaden this to pleasure seeking)

                        5.         Habitual Pastime

III.       The moral problem of scrolling

            A.        There is a lack of purpose

                        1.         Just because you can do something, it doesn’t mean it is helpful - I Corinthians 10:23

                        2.         We should be seeking the betterment of others - Romans 15:2

                                    a.         Yet, the producers of scrolling media are not aiming for building up its viewers

                        3.         Pursuing worthless things lacks sense - Proverbs 12:11 (also Proverbs 28:19)

            B.        It is letting others decide what you are watching

                        1.         The focus is on worldly things - Colossians 3:2-6

                        2.         Don’t love the world - I John 2:15-16

                        3.         The world is in the dark - Ephesians 4:17-18

                        4.         Like Israel, people walk backward - Jeremiah 7:24

            C.        It is sedentary and passive

                        1.         We are to prepare our minds for action - I Peter 1:13-15

                        2.         A lazy person is destructive - Proverbs 18:9

                        3.         His desires kill him - Proverbs 21:25-26

                        4.         Laziness leads to misconduct - II Thessalonians 3:11-13

            D.        Thrill seeking leads to rash behavior

                        1.         The fool doesn’t consider where things lead - Proverbs 14:15

                        2.         The person is so focused on the thrill, he makes mistakes - Proverbs 19:2

            E.        Chasing pleasure

                        1.         Leads to poverty - Proverbs 21:17

                        2.         Lovers of pleasure is a sign of perilous times - II Timothy 3:1-5

                        3.         When you give yourself over to worldly pleasures, you are dead - I Timothy 5:6

                        4.         Their god is their appetite - Philippians 3:18-19

                        5.         Slaves of their own desires - Romans 16:18

            F.        Focusing on the latest bad news

                        1.         Proverbs 18:8 - Like tasty morsels, but once swallowed, they become a part of you (also Proverbs 26:22)

                                    a.         What we consume changes our views

                                    b.         It is why the warning that it can separate even close friends - Proverbs 16:28

                        2.         Those who follow wisdom are not in dread of evil - Proverbs 1:33

                        3.         The righteous are not afraid of bad news - Psalms 112:7

IV.      Breaking the Habit

            A.        Limit your access

                        1.         We have our phones with us all the time. I’m bored, pull out the phone. I wonder what other people are doing, pull out the phone, ...

                        2.         We have to practice self-discipline - I Corinthians 9:26-27

                                    a.         Not wasting energy in useless actions

                                    b.         Keeping yourself under control

                        3.         When you need to interact with others, the phone remains put away, such as at dinner.

                        4.         When you should be sleeping, put the phone elsewhere – not at your bedside.

                                    a.         In fact, don’t use your phone for the first 30 to 60 minutes in the day.

                                    b.         The world won’t end.

                                    c.         Yet, the times of greatest temptation is just before we fall asleep and just after we wake up.

            B.        Limit your time

                        1.         So many people tell me that they start to scroll and then the next thing they know, they been up half the night

                        2.         We need to make the most of our time - Ephesians 5:15-16

                        3.         If you must, put a timer on. Only allow yourself certain times of the day to scan social media.

                        4.         Don’t take your phone with you to the restroom. If you need a distraction, take a book.

            C.        Turn off notifications for social media

                        1.         Take control of your time.

                        2.         One thing that can pull people from God are the cares of this world - Matthew 13:22

                                    a.         It isn’t wrong to be aware of what is going on, but to allow constant interruption to pull your attention away from what needs to be done can lead to problems.

                                    b.         The worries of life can be a trap - Luke 21:34

                                                (1)       Dissipation - excessive indulgence in pleasure (pretending problems are not there)

                                                (2)       Drunkenness - typically to avoid problems

                                                (3)       Worries of life - immersing yourself into the problems

            D.        Put more purpose in your use

                        1.         Ask your self if what you are doing will help or improve you

                        2.         Is it going to help you help others? = Ephesians 2:10

                        3.         Do you need this to make a decision?

            E.        Practice patience

                        1.         The world won’t end if I don’t look at my phone until later.

V.        Computers, phones, and even social media can serve useful purposes, but don’t let the tools dominate such that your focus is on the tool instead of the task to be accomplished.

]]> 94409 An Industrious Worker https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/an-industrious-worker/ Sun, 13 Jul 2025 17:16:06 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=11685

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

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Text: Proverbs 24:30-34

 

I.         The Bible commends diligent work

            A.        Jacob had his faults, but one thing we notice is that he was an industrious worker

                        1.         Genesis 31:38-39 - A summary of his work record.

                                    a.         Prosperous growth in herds

                                    b.         No miscarriages in 20 years

                                    c.         No losses from wild animals or from his own personal use since he replace all that was lost from his own funds.

            B.        Potiphar was able to trust Joseph with everything he owned - Genesis 39:6

            C.        Ruth worked all day pick up grain and then after nightfall threshed what she gathered - Ruth 2:17

            D.        Jehoiada’s workmen were so faithful, no one had to audit them - II Kings 12:9-15

            E.        Daniel’s enemies could not find anything with which to charge Daniel - Daniel 6:4

II.        Workers who are like these people are too rare.

            A.        Perhaps we don’t train young people to be diligent in their labors.

                        1.         Society glorifies getting by with the minimum. It is “great” so long as it is good enough.

                        2.         Solomon urges us to learn from the ant - Proverbs 6:6-8

                                    a.         God’s design in nature can teach us about working!

                                    b.         Job 12:7-10 - There is a lot to learn from nature.

            B.        We always labored. Adam and Eve were given charge to care for the garden of Eden. - Genesis 2:15

            C.        Paul did not just preached the Gospel, he lived it - I Thessalonians 2:8-12

                        1.         Paul worked with his own hands - I Corinthians 4:11-12

                        2.         He taught during the day and made tents at night - Acts 18:2-3

                        3.         Hence, Paul claimed he wronged no one - II Corinthians 7:2

III.       Poor work habits may not be obvious

            A.        Laziness and negligence - not giving your all

                        1.         Proverbs 10:4 - Negligence brings poverty.

                        2.         Proverbs 13:4 - The lazy craves and gets nothing

                        3.         Proverbs 18:9 - A lazy worker is destructive.

            B.        Chasing after useless things - Proverbs 12:11

                        1.         Busy, but not focused on what needs to be done.

            C.        Wasting time in talk - Proverbs 14:3

            D.        Stealing from others - Leviticus 6:2-5

                        1.         Deceives in regard to funds entrusted with him

                        2.         Steals

                        3.         Cheats

                                    a.         Using false balance - Proverbs 11:1

                        4.         Finds lost property and lies about it

IV.      A Christian must work, and work well for his employer - II Thessalonians 3:11

            A.        Even if you work for yourself, you still need to put effort into what you do

                        1.         Ownership of anything requires upkeep - Ecclesiastes 10:18

                        2.         Laziness with your own things is just as bad - Proverbs 24:30-34

            B.        Work with full effort - Ephesians 4:28

                        1.         You can’t sleep away the day and expect gain - Proverbs 20:13

                        2.         Work with all your might - Ecclesiastes 9:10

                        3.         The virtuous woman did not eat the bread of idleness - Proverbs 31:27

            C.        Labor with skill - Proverbs 22:29

            D.        Work with an eye to what may come next

                        1.         This is the lesson from the ant - Proverbs 6:6-8

                        2.         Prepare for hard times while things are going well - Proverbs 10:5

            E.        Be a trustworthy employee

                        1.         I Corinthians 4:2 - Stewards are suppose to be trustworthy.

                        2.         Luke 16:10-12 - God expects us to be trustworthy with the things of this world.

                        3.         Proverbs 13:11 - Wealth gained by fraud dwindles

                        4.         Leviticus 19:35 - Our business dealings are to be fair.

]]> 11685 It Takes Effort https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/it-takes-effort/ Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:23:23 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=14080

Text: II Thessalonians 3:6-11

 

I.         How many of us truly enjoy working?

            A.        I, like many of us, dream of times when we can take a moment off and do nothing in particular

            B.        Yet, I don’t like to be idle for long. It grates on my nerves.

II.        In the beginning

            A.        Man has always had work to be done - Genesis 2:15

                        1.         Adam started life as a gardener

            B.        But when sin entered the world, the light work that mankind was given became a serious struggle for survival - Genesis 3:17-19

            C.        Thus, we are commanded to work with our hands - I Thessalonians 4:11

            D.        Every person is expected to work for his living - II Thessalonians 3:6-11

III.       It is not haphazard work

            A.        We are expected to put in our best effort

            B.        Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Work with all our might

            C.        Colossians 3:23 - Work as if the Lord is our boss – because He actually is

            D.        Ephesians 6:5-8 - God will reward us according to our labors

            E.        Romans 12:11 - There should be no lack of diligence on our part

IV.      Becoming lazy is a danger - Proverbs 26:13-16

            A.        The lazy give excuses instead of effort - Proverbs 26:13

                        1.         It’s too dangerous - Proverbs 22:13

                        2.         It’s too cold - Proverbs 20:4

                        3.         There will always be times we will not accomplish our goals, despite our best efforts. However, if we use the various hindrances as permission to not finish our work, far less will get done

                        4.         Too many excuses irritate - Proverbs 10:26

            B.        The lazy avoids starting - Proverbs 26:14

                        1.         Learn from the ant to work in convenient times and inconvenient times - Proverbs 6:6-11

            C.        The lazy won’t even help himself - Proverbs 26:15

                        1.         He rather that others care for him

                        2.         Proverbs 24:30-34 - Laziness brings on poverty

                        3.         The lazy wants things but is unable to gain them - Proverbs 13:4

                        4.         He wastes even the little that he has - Proverbs 18:9

V.        We must give diligent effort

            A.        Hard work is noticed and rewarded - Proverbs 22:29

            B.        Hard work causes you to appreciate what you have - Proverbs 12:27

VI.      While we have been discussing work in a general sense, there is a specific work that each of us needs to be concerned with.

            A.        Are we working out our salvation? - Philippians 2:12-13

            B.        Do we approach our lives as Christians by avoiding as much effort as we can?

            C.        Are you offering excuses as to why you have not done what you know you should do?

            D.        Do you think God is going to appreciate you clever avoidance tactics in the end?

            E.        Some people are too lazy to help themselves, to their own destruction.

            F.        What about you?

]]> 14080 Wanting Something for Nothing https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wanting-something-for-nothing/ Sun, 02 Apr 2023 21:42:26 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=60155

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

Text: II Samuel 24:10-25

 

I.         Have you noticed how many people want something, but are unwilling to put sufficient effort into obtaining what they want?

            A.        I keep hearing about the latest lotto figures. Hundreds of millions of dollars are available, for the meager cost of a few bucks.

                        1.         Millions of people spend hard earned cash for a chance to win money for which they did not work.

                        2.         Gambling is wrong because no goods or services are bought, only a chance to gain more than what you put into the system.

            B.        Wealth is not wrong in itself, but God teaches us to work for our wealth.

                        1.         Genesis 3:19 - Man is condemned to work for his food.

                        2.         Ephesians 4:28 - Working with your hands

                        3.         II Thessalonians 3:10 - If you are unwilling to work, you don’t deserve to eat.

                        4.         Proverbs 12:11 - Steady, low-pay work is more valuable than quick money

II.        Yet there are other ways people look to get something for nothing. I have dealt with several young men who are quite happy to move in with a woman, but they are unwilling to get married.

            A.        Let me give you an example of a young man I met in New York. He started living with an older woman, but he didn’t want to get married. I met him after she left him for another man with more money. He was devastated.

                        1.         He wanted a “wife and kids.” Someone for whom he could provide. Someone waiting for him when he got home.

                        2.         In other words, he wanted the companionship and love without the lifetime commitment of marriage.

                        3.         Of course, without a commitment the relationship did not last.

            B.        Marriage is for companionship - Genesis 2:18

                        1.         But it comes with a price.

                        2.         You give up your independence for the rest of your life. - Genesis 2:24, Romans 7:2

                        3.         To have a companion implies you have to be companionable, even when you roll out of bed early in the morning.

                                    a.         A friend loves at all times, not just when it is convenient - Proverbs 17:17

            C.        Marriage is for sexual relationship - Proverbs 5:15-19

                        1.         But it means having no one else - Proverbs 6:27-32

                        2.         It means being available to fulfill your partner’s need even when you don’t feel like it - I Corinthians 7:2-4

            D.        Marriage doesn’t come free even though the benefits of marriage are far greater than its costs

III.       Still others want religion without committing themselves

            A.        They almost become Christians, but they never take the final step, as if they are leaving themselves an escape route. Much like King Agrippa - Acts 26:24-29

            B.        Others become Christians, but they do not commit themselves

                        1.         The disciples left everything to follow Jesus - Matthew 4:18-22

                        2.         It is ourselves that we offer God - Romans 12:1

                        3.         We must put God first in our lives - Matthew 22:37-40

            C.        We cannot “give it a try” when serving Christ

                        1.         When we place conditions, qualifications, and reservations on our commitment, there is no commitment.

                        2.         People who give it a try, bail out when things get hard.

                        3.         Early Christians did not give it a try, they were committed.

                                    a.         In Rome, a policy was implemented where a token was given out to show you had made a sacrifice to the Emperor. Without that token, you could not shop in the market place. You could be arbitrarily stopped and arrested.

                                    b.         Matthew 10:38-39 - Take up your cross

                                    c.         From Foxe’s Book of Martyrs: “The causes why the Roman emperors did so persecute the Christians were chiefly these – fear and hatred. First, fear, for that the emperors and senate, of blind ignorance, not knowing the manner of Christ’s kingdom, feared and misdoubted lest the same would subvert their empery; and therefore sought they all means possible, how, by death and all kinds of torments, utterly to extinguish the name and memory of the Christians. Secondly, hatred, partly for that this world, of its own natural condition, had ever hated and maliced the people of God, from the first beginning of the world. Partly again, for that the Christians being of a contrary nature and religion, serving only the true living God, despised their false gods, spake against their idolatrous worshipings, and many times stopped the power of Satan working in their idols: and therefore Satan, the prince of this world, stirred up the Roman princes and blind idolaters to bear the more hatred and spite against them. Whatsoever mishappened to the city or provinces of Rome, either famine, pestilence, earthquake, wars, wonders, unseasonableness of weather, or what other evils soever, it was imputed to the Christians.”

                                    d.         Does it cost you this much to be a Christian today?

            D.        There is a cost to being a Christian

                        1.         We cannot long for the old ways - Luke 9:57-62

                                    a.         The Israelites tried to have it both ways - II Kings 17:33

                                    b.         We cannot serve two masters - Luke 16:13

                        2.         We cannot be distracted by worldly things, like Martha - Luke 10:40-42

                                    a.         In your grandmother or great-grandmother’s day, she used to get up on Sunday morning, cook a big breakfast for her large family, milk the cows, churn, clean house, kill and dress the chickens for dinner, dress the children, then drive with the family in a buggy or wagon five miles to worship services and was likely to get there early.

                                    b.         Today – when breakfast comes in cereal box, the milk, butter, and chickens come from the grocery store, and the distance to the meeting house is covered in minutes in an automobile – it is almost impossible for some folks to make it in time for Bible study.

                                    c.         What is the difference but a commitment to God?

                                    d.         David said he would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of God than to live a life of ease among the wicked - Psalm 84:10-12

                        3.         We cannot become apathetic.

                                    a.         A double-minded man is unstable - James 1:8

                                    b.         Don’t become entangled in the world again - Matthew 13:20-22

                                    c.         Be steadfast and unmovable - I Corinthians 15:58

IV.      What price would you be willing to pay for the salvation of your soul? For an eternal life in heaven?

            A.        We don’t get something for nothing.

            B.        But the cost is so little compared to the glory we can receive.

]]> 60155 Can you define laziness? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/can-you-define-laziness/ Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:15:42 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=60023

Question:

Hi Jeff,

Please can you explain laziness?

When can we say someone is lazy when the person is not working and he desires not to work or is it someone who is working one job and is contented with that with no desire to do another?

Thanks, sir.

Answer:

To be lazy is to live a life where you attempt to give the absolute minimum effort to any and all tasks.

"I passed by the field of the sluggard and by the vineyard of the man lacking sense, and behold, it was completely overgrown with thistles; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. When I saw, I reflected upon it; I looked, and received instruction. "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest," Then your poverty will come as a robber and your want like an armed man" (Proverbs 24:30-34).

It is the opposite of "diligence" where a person works hard, efficiently, speedily, and produces good quality results. The lazy person (the sluggard) puts off tasks because they are not seen as essential right now. Thus, over time, the problems build until they are too great to handle. In contrast, Solomon asks that we consider the ant.

"Go to the ant, O sluggard, observe her ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer or ruler, prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest. How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest" -- your poverty will come in like a vagabond and your need like an armed man" (Proverbs 6:6-11).

The ant works when everyone else is playing and taking it easy (in the summer) and works when the opportunities are best (in the harvest). Just as small delays will eventually build up, small gains also build over time.

Thus, yes, a person who avoids work is clearly lazy. Whether one job is enough depends on whether the person is progressing with that single job or not. If you work only to just have enough -- living paycheck to paycheck -- eventually something disastrous will occur and you won't have any reserves to get through the problems. "There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up" (Proverbs 21:20). Instead, we are urged to work to have a bit extra, not just for ourselves but for others as well. "He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need" (Ephesians 4:28).

]]> 60023 Do Not Be Lazy https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/do-not-be-lazy/ Tue, 14 Mar 2023 22:27:57 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=59905

by Joe R. Price

“The lazy man says, ‘There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the streets!’ As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; It wearies him to bring it back to his mouth. The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer
sensibly" (Proverbs 26:13–16).

Diligence is a hallmark of faith (Romans 12:11; Hebrews 4:11; 6:11; II Peter 1:5,10). Laziness fails to see daily opportunities to serve God, our families, brethren, and neighbors. Laziness serves the desires of Satan, not God. Solomon’s wisdom teaches us to be diligent in every part of our lives as it identifies the indicators and dangers of idleness.

  • The lazy person always has an excuse for not meeting his responsibilities (Proverbs 26:13). Real or imagined dangers and difficulties content the lazy to remain so (Proverbs 22:13; 20:4). God will use us to accomplish His work when we diligently seek and do His will (Matthew 19:26; Philippians 2:12-13; Hebrews 11:6).
  • The lazy person fails to use his time wisely (Proverbs 26:14). He sleeps when it is time to work (John 9:4). As a result, he is unprepared to successfully meet life’s challenges (Proverbs 6:6-9; 19:15). We must redeem our time wisely (Ephesians 5:15-16).
  • The lazy person does not want to work (Proverbs 26:15). The answer to his problem is staring him in the face, yet he is unwilling to work (Proverbs 19:24). There is no reward in life or eternity for the apathetic and negligent soul (Proverbs 12:27; 13:4; Ecclesiastes 5:18-20).
  • The lazy person comforts himself with his pride (Proverbs 26:16). He is self-deceived, lacking the perception needed to change his condition (Proverbs 16:18).

Let us be diligent in things temporal and eternal. Otherwise, “the desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor” (Proverbs 21:25).

]]> 59905 Boredom https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/boredom-2/ Sat, 05 Feb 2022 03:52:41 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=42951

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

I.         The child has a room full of action figures, video games, cable TV, VCR, a huge collection of video tapes, every piece of sports equipment known to man, his own telephone, a fully loaded computer with Internet access — but he doesn’t have anything to do. He’s bored.

            A.        Boredom is the plague of every parent with a child out of school. The cries of “I’m bored” seem to begin just hours after school lets out.

            B.        Boredom is not just an irritation, it is a spiritual problem. People with time on their hands get into all sorts of mischief. - I Tim 5:11-15

                        1.         Boredom often leads to drug and alcohol abuse as people look for new thrills.

                        2.         Boredom often motivates adultery, leading to divorce.

                        3.         It even leads to suicide as people despair of life.

II.        The Cause of Boredom

            A.        Overindulgence

                        1.         There is a law of diminishing returns - Prov 25:16,27

                                    a.         There are limits to amount of “good things” we can handle before it becomes harmful to us.

                        2.         When pleasure becomes the first priority, the result is ironically boredom

                                    a.         The symptom of a pleasure-obsessed age is boredom.

                        3.         Ceaseless pleasures cause ceaseless efforts by people to rekindle the initial thrill when they are bored.

                                    a.         It leads to moral decay - Ezek 16:49-50

                                    b.         Fatness leads to leaving God - Deut. 32:15

                                    c.         Heroin addicts have to take a bigger and bigger doses to achieve an ever diminishing high.

                                    d.         Movies that once titillated their audiences with subtle innuendoes become more and more explicit to keep their audiences entertained.

                                    e.         It is the breaking of taboos that gives the thrill - Prov 9:17

                                                (1)       People keep stepping over the line of propriety to get their thrills and the line keeps moving

                                                (2)       As their conscience becomes seared, it takes more to excite.

                        4.         Truly, covetousness and greed doesn’t bring happiness but sorrow - I Tim 6:10

                        5.         When a child is bored, there is a temptation to “solve the problem” by giving him more things. Instead of helping, we are perpetuating it. Instead of improving we are causing harm.

                        6.         When adults get bored, this same solution is repeated. We buy ourselves goodies to make ourselves feel better. If we can’t afford it, that is alright, we just add to our debt until we are swimming in a despairing sea of obligations we can never repay in our lifetime.

            B.        Under-exertion

                        1.         Laziness causes a deep sleep - Prov 19:15

                        2.         The slothful turn back and forth on his bed like a door on its hinges - Prov 26:14

                        3.         Lack of work makes us disorderly and busybodies - II Thess 3:11

                        4.         The lazy is too bored to even enjoy his indulgences - Prov 19:24

                        5.         The lazy does not enjoy what he has - Prov 12:27

III.       Solving the problem

            A.        Contentment

                        1.         When will we learn that life is not defined by the abundance of the things we own? - Luke 12:15

                        2.         In many cases less is more

                                    a.         Prov 15:16 - with fear of God

                                    b.         Prov 15:17 - with love

                                    c.         Prov 16:8 - with righteousness

                                    d.         Prov 17:1, Eccl 4:6 - with quietness

                        3.         More leads us away from God. Less brings us close to God.

                        4.         Godliness with contentment is a large gain - I Tim 6:6-10

                        5.         Are you happy? If you never gained another possession, if you never received another pay raise, would you be content with your lot in life? - Phil 4:11-13.

            B.        Diligence

                        1.         Our approach to life often determines our attitude towards life.

                                    a.         Prov 23:7 - We are as we perceive ourselves to be.

                                    b.         Mark 7:21-22 - Sins come from our heart — from our own attitudes.

                        2.         The answer to boredom is deciding not to be bored!

                                    a.         If you allow yourselves to be bored, you will be. Those who decided they won’t be bored won’t be.

                                    b.         Most situations live up or down to our expectations.

                        3.         Are you bored with services, consider these

                                    a.         Rom 12:11 - Be diligent in service, be fervent in spirit

                                    b.         Heb 6:10-12 - Avoid sluggishness and show diligence

                        4.         Whatever we do, we are to do it with all our ability - Col 3:23-24

                                    a.         Eccl 9:10 - This life is our only chance, so make the best of it.

            C.        Growth

                        1.         Notice how often diligence is mentioned - II Pet 1:5-11

                                    a.         If you are busy improving yourself and improving your knowledge, you will not grow bored.

                                    b.         Unlike indulgences, there is no diminishing returns to spiritual growth.

                        2.         The Christian life involves a endless growth in the grace and knowledge of our Lord - II Pet 3:18

IV.      Be someone new

            A.        No longer live for yourself, but for Christ - II Cor 5:14-17

            B.        No longer think in terms of what I want, what makes me happy, why I’m bored, but live for Jesus. - Rom 12:1-2

            C.        John 15:8 - By this, glorify God

]]> 42951 Do You Expect to Go to Heaven? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/do-you-expect-to-go-to-heaven/ Sun, 06 Jan 2019 23:05:25 +0000 http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=2210

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

I.         Should God save you?

            A.        Paul was able to say, “Yes, I did the Lord’s will.” - II Tim. 4:6-8

            B.        Can you say that about your own life?

            C.        How did you become a Christian?

                        1.         Converted from a denomination or from out of the world?

                        2.         Raised in the church?

            D.        All are the result of someone teaching you the blessed good news

            E.        Are you returning the favor?

II.        Teaching others the gospel is command by God

            A.        We follow the apostle’s example

                        1.         Mt. 28:18-20; Mk 16:15-16; Lk 24:47

                        2.         They (and we) are to preach to all the world

            B.        I Peter 3:15 - Always prepared to answer questions

III.       There is a great need for teaching!

            A.        The world is filled with lost souls and is slipping further from God

                        1.         All have sinned - Rom. 3:9,23

                        2.         Unless they are rescued, they will walk the path to Hell

                        3.         Only by teaching the gospel can they be saved - Rom. 10:14-15

                        4.         James 5:19-20 - That someone must be you!

            B.        Your salvation depends on your helping others

                        1.         Because we will be judged on the things we do, we are spured to teach others - II Cor. 5:10-11

                        2.         To remain in Christ, we must bear fruit - Jn 15:1-8

            C.        We will be held accountable for the souls of those we fail to teach!

                        1.         Ezek. 3:18-21

                        2.         Acts 20:25-27 - Because Paul taught, he is innocent before God

IV.      Too many of you are lazy in doing the Lord’s work

            A.        In one ear and out the other

                        1.         Matt 7:24-27 - Illustration of hearing without doing

                        2.         James 1:22-25 - We must not be a forgetful hearer. How? By doing!

                        3.         Ever hear someone complain, “I can’t remember Scripture?” Then I suggest that person is not living the Christian life.

            B.        People who only show up for services causes me to wonder why they became a Christian.

                        1.         To go to heaven? Do you think coming to church once in a while when it is convinent will please God?

                        2.         Do you think God is pleased with receiving the minimum?

                        3.         In the parable of the talents (Luke 19), Jesus shows that the minimum will not do when all is expected of us.

            C.        There is ample opportunity - John 4:27-38

                        1.         No one is taught if we think they won’t listen

                                    a.         Since when have we become mind readers?

                                    b.         How can we judge the effect of God’s Word on the heart of another?

                                    c.         There is power in God’s word - Rom. 1:16

                                    d.         It is sharp, effective - Heb. 4:12

                                    e.         When we say “they won’t listen” we are saying it is too dull

                        2.         (vs. 27) Don’t screen prospects

                                    a.         Each person has the right to accept or reject the gospel

                                    b.         I have no right to make that decision for anyone else

                        3.         (Vs. 31-34) Teaching is more important than eating

                                    a.         It is a matter of priorities

                                    b.         “No time” is no excuse.

                        4.         (Vs. 35-36) The matter is urgent

                                    a.         This life is short and you may not get a second chance

                                    b.         Don’t expect to convert everyone, but we must strive to teach everyone.

            D.        Look at the parable of the sower - Mt. 13 and Lk 8

                        1.         It begins, “A sower went out to sow ...”

                        2.         The sower is each one of us. Spreading the good news in the hearts and minds of those around us.

                        3.         Imagine the living you would make as a farmer if you sowed seed the way most of you are sowing God’s word.

                        4.         How do you sow the seed of the kingdom?

                                    a.         Blindly - Toss and see what comes

                                    b.         Haphazardly - “Oh, yah! I’m suppose to be sowing seed!”

                                    c.         Pickedly - A seed here, a seed there, but only if we think the conditions are ideal

                                    d.         Purposely - Strong, even, covering all the ground

V.        The invitation song asks “Are you sowing the seed of the kingdom, brother?”

            A.        Are you?

]]> 2210 Do I have to support my father, who refuses to work and smokes marijuana? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/do-i-have-to-support-my-father-who-refuses-to-work-and-smokes-marijuana/ Wed, 14 Nov 2018 02:31:00 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=54581

Question:

Hello,

First of all, I love your site. I have spent many hours happily reading the archives of the questions asked, which has helped me. That's why I'm coming to you with this.

Because he doesn't "feel like it," my father has not worked for fifteen years; instead, relying on my mother to support him. He is nearing retirement age, and they have no savings whatsoever. I approached them with a suggestion to start saving through my mother's 401(k) program at work. While she was amenable, my father became upset, saying it is biblical for children to support their parents in their old age, and, therefore, they should save up nothing.

Is he right? Is there a financial obligation to my parents, specifically my father? He also has a pot addiction that I find morally repugnant and do not wish to finance.

Thank you for your guidance in this matter.

Answer:

"For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread" (II Thessalonians 4:10-12).

"But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation" (I Thessalonians 4:4-8).

The command is to honor your parents (Ephesians 6:2-3). Honor can include seeing to their care when they are no longer able to care for themselves, but that is not the situation here. Nothing in this command indicates that a person is to support a person in their sin. Check up on him once in a while. Make sure he is receiving aid if he needs it. But you should not encourage sin by financing his sinful life.

Suggest that your mother save up for retirement, but place it in an account that your father cannot tap. This will be for her old age. Let your father know that you'll be willing to help him once he gives up his drug addiction and works for a living. If he won't live by God's rules, then he can't quote God about your responsibilities.

Response:

Dear Jeffrey,

Thank you so much for your kind and concise answer. It has certainly given me a lot to think about. I will have to confront my father soon.

Thanks again, and please keep me in your prayers.

]]> 54581 How do you stop being lazy? https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/how-do-you-stop-being-lazy/ Sun, 13 Oct 2013 02:33:00 +0000 https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/?p=40654

Question:

I know that being lazy in general is a sin, but it's really hard to stop. I do well and then I backtrack. I even stopped my gluttony issues when it comes to food, but this is something I'm struggling with. Any help?

Answer:

Laziness is an attitude of wanting to get by with the least amount of effort. "How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep -- so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man" (Proverbs 6:9-11). Notice that it isn't always complete lassitude. Laziness is accumulative, putting off something here and another thing there until suddenly you're overwhelmed by all the things that need to be done.

The answer, however, is similar. Doing a bit here and a bit there also adds up. "Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest" (Proverbs 6:6-8). It isn't the major accomplishments that create productivity; it is the willingness to do bits and pieces here and there that move you closer to a goal.

Like any other sin, laziness is a choice. "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat" (II Thessalonians 3:6-10). I can't make you be productive, you have to choose it for yourself.

Therefore, use your spare moments to get something small accomplished. Before you know it, you'll be accomplishing big things.

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