In the PART I of this topic, we dealt with ways in which we could identify a lazy person. In this concluding part, we look at eight ways in which laziness can be overcome.
1. Acknowledge that you are lazy
It first begins with acknowledging that you are lazy (which many of us would never like to do!). But I tell you, half of your battle is won, when you humble yourself and admit that you are weak and need help. Pray and ask forgiveness from God and in humility seek the counsel of the Holy Spirit for your breakthrough.
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2. Renew your mind
Renew your mind by meditating on what the word of God says about ‘laziness’ and claim your victory in this area through the triumphant blood of Jesus.
3. Stay away from the company of your lazy brethren!
At your workplace, learn to keep company with diligent and successful colleagues and learn from their lives. If you are in a ministry, surround yourself with other ministers who are active and on fire for God.
4. Plan and discipline
Plan your activities for the day in the morning. Have a “Things to do” list and have it near you all the time. Discipline yourself to strictly follow this list. Avoid carry forward of one day’s work to the next day at any cost.
5. Flee from your bed!
A simple advice if you are addicted to sleeping—Flee from your bed! Lot of people have the habit of taking their jobs on the bed. It may be reading your Bible or a book, or working on excel sheets on your laptop—whatever it is, flee from your temptation (Read: Bed). Set up a quiet work space for yourself where you can do things in an upright position. You will be amazed to see how much time you will save by following this.
Again avoid oversleeping. Fix your sleeping hours. Tell one of your family members to hold you accountable in this. Also eat light before sleeping, it helps!
6. Know that work is ordained of God
I heard somebody put it this way: God feeds the birds, but He doesn’t throw the food in their nest. God made Adam not just to enjoy the splendors of Eden but Genesis 2:15 says The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden to work it and take care of it. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 KJV says, For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. You got to make efforts to work. Be thankful that God has blessed you with good hands and legs and you better make use of it!
7. Learn to value time
Apart from sleeping, stay away from other activities like long hours of watching television, gossiping, ‘facebooking’ etc that eat off your valuable time. See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil (Proverbs 5:15 – 16).
8. Work for God
Finally remind yourself that you are working for God first and then for man. As Paul puts it in Colossians 3:23, Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people. The right motivation should come from inside. The Bible speaks of ants in Proverbs 6:6 and Proverbs 30:24,25. Ants are creatures of little strength, but they work hard by carrying food many times their weight and store up food in the summer for the rainy days head. And nobody has to tell it what to do- they are self motivated! How much more should we children of God gear ourselves up!
Any other point you can add?