In the previous post, I pointed out that sloth is based on fear, which is based on unbelief in all that Christ has done for us. When we do not believe that Jesus Christ has died for all our sins and wishes to save us and blesses in this life as well as the next, we operate under condemnation, thinking and believing that we have to earn what God so freely gives.
Another key element in Proverbs points to fear as the primary reason why people do not go out and work. Why does the slothful man say "a lion"?
These passages will explain what a lion represents, or more specifically a "roaring lion":
"Therefore is the anger of the LORD kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." (Isaiah 5: 25)
and
"For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him." (Hosea 5: 14)
and
"I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them." (Hosea 13: 8)
In the Book of First Kings, God sent a lion to devour a man of God who refused to obey His commands to the fullest. Here is the final scene:
"And when he was gone, a lion met him by the way, and slew him: and his carcase was cast in the way, and the ass stood by it, the lion also stood by the carcase. 25And, behold, men passed by, and saw the carcase cast in the way, and the lion standing by the carcase: and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelt." (1 Kings 13: 24-25)
A lion roaring is a sign of judgment, an omen of condemnation to punish wrongdoing.
In Christ, we need never fear punishment for any wrongdoing:
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8: 1, NIV)
This condemnation, the fear of God and His wrath, is the greatest fear in our lives:
"There is no fear in
love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that
feareth is not made perfect in love. " (1 John 4:18)
What is the cause of sloth? Fear. Instead of shaming people for not working, for not getting out there to make the most of it, every person needs to be reminded of all the grace that God has given them, that in Christ no weapon formed against them will ever prosper.
If there is any roaring, if it sounds as if some lion is out there rearing up to tear us up, we need to know who is really out there:
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion,
walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:" (1 Peter 5: 8)
How are we supposed to be "sober and vigilant"? Peter explains in the previous verses:
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you
in due time: 7Casting all your care
upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Peter 5: 6-7)
Slothful people are full of cares, like the man in the Proverb who fears the lion in the streets. Casting all our cares on Jesus, who is our rest, enables us to brush off the roaring tremors of Satan and step forth into the blessings and rest of all the good things that God the Father has prepared for us.
Know who you are in Christ, for He is your life (Colossians 3: 4) rest in His Finished Work, and then as He labors within you (Philippians 2: 13; Colossians 1: 29), get out there and be the blessing which God has made you to be!