Does the word slothful describe you?

"Spiritually Slothful" was the phrase our pastor used on Sunday to describe the condition of many christians.  As the phrase sunk in, I realized that, as of late, I was one of those christians. How about you?  Let's examine the word a bit more and see if it fits.  A synonym for slothful is the word indolent:  having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion. Spiritually speaking it means to be lazy when it comes to the discipline that keeps your spiritual edge sharp:  Consistent Bible reading, fervent prayer, sharing your life with others, using your spiritual gift.  Practically speaking, here's what it might look like:

• choosing to watch a TV show rather than finish the homework for your weekly Bible study
• cutting your prayer time short because you've got several emails that must get sent
• reading more social media posts than your Bible
• spending more time shopping or redecorating than reaching out to help the needs of others
• sitting Sunday after Sunday in church and never stepping up to serve

Now please DO NOT misinterpret what I'm saying here.  Redecorating, social media, emails and TV are not bad.  But when they keep you from your most important jobs - reading your Bible, fervently praying, connecting with others and using your spiritual gift to serve the body of Christ - they become not good.  They breed carelessness in your spiritual life and they put you in the category of spiritually slothful.

My advice?  Stop right now (like I did last Sunday) and assess the areas in your life where you've become spiritually sloppy.  Confess these actions (or inactions) as sin and make the corrections necessary to put your spiritual priorities in order.  Once you do, the spiritual power you'll feel will bring you deep, unmatched joy.

Psalm 119:5 - Oh that my actions would consistently reflect your principles.  Then I would not be ashamed when I compare my life to your commands.