Don't Be Slothful

Romans 12 says, Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Hmmm.  “Slothful in zeal.”  I feel that way sometimes, just too lazy to worship, to praise, or rejoice.  And here, I’m told to NOT be that way, but rather to be “fervent in spirit.” How so?

By serving the Lord.

Serving the Lord certainly requires that we give to others and show hospitality.  But in this verse it also says that rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation and constant in prayer is serving the Lord, as well.

We need to do both.  We must continue to be joyful, patient and constant, while we are serving.

That’s a hard call, sometimes, because in serving others we can sometimes become weary. But that usually happens when we put our focus on those we are serving, hoping to be rewarded by them. 

When our focus shifts to Him, this enables us to continue in zeal and fervency as we serve, knowing that He sees and knows, and rewards.

Feeling a bit slothful today?  Look at Him as you wait, hope, and serve.