December 27 – Be ye not slothful.

“That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6v12

“In order that you may not grow disinterested and become [spiritual] sluggards, but imitators, behaving as do those who through faith (by their leaning of the entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness and by practice of patient endurance and waiting are [now] inheriting promises.” Hebrews 6v12 (Amplified Bible).

“Then, knowing what lies ahead of you, you won’t become bored with being a Christian nor become spiritually dull and indifferent, but you will be anxious to follow the example of those who receive all that God has promised them because of their strong faith and patience.” Hebrews 6v12 (The Living Bible).

Yesterday, I was mentioning to my family how in church on Sunday, for one moment, the thought of, oh, I really would like to go home now or how much longer do we have to be here for, came to mind. And I was scared. I really was. I thought to myself, how easy it is to become complaisant about the things of God or about God Himself, and then I became sober. Before vs. 12, Paul says:

“For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6v10

God is not unfaithful, He remembers. He remembers our deeds, the good things we do towards His name, our helping of His children. Our transgressions He removes as far as the east is from the west, and the north from the south, and does not remember, but our labour of love, He doesn’t.

Yet, when we turn back, His heart is very much saddened, and His soul displeased with us. Paul’s remedy, don’t be slothful i.e. don’t become lazy. Two, look at what lies ahead, following the examples of others who have gone on before us including Jesus, in patience and in faith, and may God help us all in Jesus name. Amen.

Have a grace-full day.