the lazy plague: it’s not a virtue

There’s a plague going around, and it doesn’t have anything to do with fevers.

People in our generation think being lazy is funny. I’ll never forget going into college and being shocked at how often people chuckle about this.

“I need to go talk to the teacher . . . but I’m too lazy.”

“Ugh, I need to get lunch . . . but I’m too lazy.“

“Lol I meant to do that assignment but, eh, ya know me: lazy.”

I’ve heard it so much that it’s just become a new joke and is second nature to me. It’s a really easy excuse for anything, pretty light and funny even.

Was there anything lazy about Jesus though? Absolutely not!

Lazy would’ve meant sending the 4,000 people away so He didn’t have to provide food for them and keep “entertaining” them.

Lazy would’ve meant skipping the cross and starting a new government with the support of His followers.

I won’t even do my own laundry. Having to take out my earbuds and get out of my chair to go get water drives me nuts. If I’m lazy in these small things, how can I minister? Laziness will have no place in ministry.

Life is hard work. Ministry is harder. And we’re all called to ministry.

How do we defeat laziness?

• Take the long way. Whether that’s going to your kitchen, walking to the parking lot, or getting to the next class (if you aren’t rushed for time).
• Plan chores into your routine. I’m the worst at this, so I’m telling myself this too! Schedule a day to be Laundry Day. Clean out your backpack every Saturday.
• Make your bed every morning. Oh boo, this is the worst.
• Vacuum your room. Pick up all the dust bunnies in your room bc they aren’t great pets.

And, most importantly, seek to add ministry to your life (we’ll have a lot more great ideas in our upcoming Serve issue; make sure you’re on our mailing list so you don’t miss it!).

• Instead of binge-watching your favorite show, spend a little extra time with your family or call a friend.
• At school, lunch can be a sacred time. It may be your little bit of free time to catch up on homework or just breathe—but consider dedicating it to a friend once a week.
• Volunteer to babysit someone’s kids for free.
• Ask your mom if she wants help painting or redoing a room in the house.
• Take the time to write letters to widows, singles, or the elderly in your church.
• Dedicate ten minutes a day to intentional prayer (read our Intercede issue for free to really explore prayer!).

How can you add ministry to your life? How does laziness sneak up on you?