The obsticle to diligence in every area of your life

As we read the Book of Proverbs, we see that Solomon gives us four steps by which we can acquire diligence in every area of our life. There is one giant problem that we mere human beings must overcome before we can accomplish this. We have already seen through the material that we have read that in order for us to succeed we must work and work diligently. This introduces the biggest obstacle in the path of most who want to succeed.

Human beings are like water. Water always seeks the easiest path to flow. Humans always seek the path of least resistance in everything. Humans are inherently lazy and want to have the greatest gain through the least effort. In every area of life there is the potential for laziness. We must confront this ‘potential for laziness’ in every area in order for us to become completely fulfilled. You may have confronted the PFL (potential for laziness) in your work but have ignored its influence in your marriage or family relationships. You may be extremely energetic in your recreation but lax in your work or home life. In order for you to experience true success and the fulfillment that it can produce to every area of your life you must develop the trait of diligence in every area.

Solomon determined that there are four basic ‘root’ causes of laziness. It is important for use to study these root causes in order for us to overcome the obstacles that they place in our path to acquiring diligence and ultimately success.

According to Solomon, these four root causes of laziness are:

• Self-Centeredness,
• Conceit or arrogance,
• Ignorance and
• Irresponsibility.

He often refers to the combination of ignorance and irresponsibility as ‘foolishness’.

Self-centeredness

Proverbs 21:2 (NKJV) “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,”

In today’s society we see vast numbers of people who can be described as ‘sociopaths’. These people are strictly concerned with their own well being often at the expense of others. It is human nature for us to consider our way the best way. Solomon suggests that it would be much better if we first concern ourselves with the impact that our actions will have on others. When we act in a self-centered manner, we become blind even to the impact that our actions will have on our future and our relationships with others. The successful Christian knows that the center of the universe and the total focus of everything that we do must be Christ and not ourselves.

Conceit or arrogance

Proverbs 21:16 (NKJV) tells us that, “The lazy man is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can answer sensibly.”

It is not hard to spot those who think themselves to be much smarter than anyone else. There are literally millions of self-appointed experts in every area of endeavor. It is so much more effective for us to realize that even though we may be knowledgeable in what we do there is always someone who can help us. It is the mark of a diligent person to seek the advice or wise counsel of others before implementing a plan.

Ignorance and Irresponsibility (Foolishness)

Proverbs 24:30-31 (NKJV) “ 30 I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding; 31 And there it was, all overgrown with thorns; Its surface was covered with nettles; Its stone wall was broken down.”

Ignorance is the most useless trait that a man can display. Most however, because of laziness, do not want to take the time or expend the effort to get an education. I have heard people say that instead of studying, they’ll just get a job and live their lives the way they want to. Later in life, these are the same ones who complain that they have nothing and life is so difficult and everyone else always gets the breaks. You know the type who always wants to blame their own situation on everything but the truth that they were lazy and chose to remain ignorant. How foolish these people are.

And even worse are those who know what they should do but simply ignore their duties. They, by choice, cause their situation to worsen every day. Laziness creates a barrier between a man and his success.