When the President of one of the African nations called the youths lazy the other day, there was an uproar from every quarter; the internet was set on fire with various tweets and social media conversations around that statement. It was a rather unfortunate statement that I believe do not reflect the reality of that nation. Do we really have lazy youths or lazy leadership?

Friend, no one can define you except you. That someone calls you lazy does not mean you are one. You have got the right and opportunity to prove them wrong; nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent. You are the architect of your own reality in destiny. It is important we consider what the scriptures have to say about laziness.

“Do not be lazy, but instead want very much to work on the Lord’s behalf…” (Romans 12:11 Easy English). We are commanded to not be lazy. Laziness is a tendency of the flesh that everyone has to stay alert and combat. It is very easy to be lazy; just don’t take any initiative or action, just allow life to keep happening to and around you. It takes some decisive steps to not be lazy.

“And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength…” (2 Kings 9:24). Laziness is refusing to push yourself harder and stretch yourself better. It is just coasting along without exerting yourself to the best of your capacity. A lot of people are actually living well below their capacity. If you don’t push yourself to peak performance, the world would drown you in mediocrity.

“…And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed” (2 Kings 13:18). Some people are not willing or ready to pay prices despite encouragements. You need to discipline your flesh (1 Corinthians 9:27). You need an environment of productive people around you. Your association would determine your acceleration (2 Kings 10:16, 13:18-19).

“The lazy man does not cook the animals that he caught…” (Proverbs 12:27). Laziness is leaving tasks uncompleted. It is unwillingness to continue what you start. If you stop pushing, you would lose the momentum you have gathered over time. Do more. Pray more. Work more. Think more. Hard work does not kill, it is laziness that does. In a lazy society, pushing yourself harder would make you a wonder (Proverbs 22:29).

© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria