I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. Proverbs 24:30-34
“A heart in heaven will be a most excellent preservative against temptations to sin. It will keep the heart well employed. When we are idle, we tempt the devil to tempt us; as careless persons make thieves. A heart in heaven can reply to the tempter, as Nehemiah did: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come. It hath no leisure to be lustful or wanton, ambitious or worldly. If you were but busy in your lawful callings, you would not be so ready to hearken to temptations; much less if you were also busy above with God. Would a judge be persuaded to rise from the bench, when he is sitting upon a case of life and death, to go and play with children in the streets? No more will a Christian, when he is taking a survey of his eternal rest, give ear to the alluring charms of Satan. The children of that kingdom should never have time for trifles, especially when they are employed in the affairs of the kingdom; and this employment is one of the saints’ chief preservatives from temptations.”
Richard Baxter (1615-1691) in The Saints’ Everlasting Rest (Grand Rapids: CCEL), Excerpt from Ch. 11 “The importance of leading a Heavenly life upon Earth,” 125-126.
The word “scarcity” struck me in today’s Scripture. When someone appears as idle or careless, it sets them up to be overcome by poverty and scarcity.
Track with me. God wants us to experience abundance and generosity rather than poverty and scarcity. But if we work diligently and God provides a surplus, that can ruin us as much as idleness.
What’s the lesson today? A most excellent and chief preservative against temptations to sin is to keep busy at good things. We do well to avoid the extremes of idleness and overworking.
As children of the kingdom, let’s stay busy doing good things. God made us to work. When we work we bring Him glory. And as He supplies, let us put the surplus to work with rich generosity.
I’m on another trip to an undisclosed location. Speaking at a conference with 500+ workers from places where Christians experience significant persecution. Appreciate your prayers for a safe and fruitful week.