Today when spending time in God’s word I came across Proverbs 18:9 which states that “One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys” (NIV). I tell you I chewed on this for quite a while before it softened up. Here are my thoughts.
At the end of the day I like to look back and see what I either have accomplished that day or let slide; in other words slacked off. Many times I have given myself a pass and said that I just couldn’t have done any more, couldn’t have helped anyone else or given a soothing word to anyone else.
This rationalism makes me feel OK. But it is the second part of the proverb that made me go “ouch”. Being a brother to one who destroys?
Not me.
We have grown our businesses by working hard and persevering. So I started thinking about a working definition for “destroyer” and to me it is a person who is negative, gossips about other people, trys to pull down your dreams or tell you that what you want is impossible. We have all known people like this and if we continue to associate with them we start to accept their point of view.
I just get tired of being around people like that and many times they don’t even realize that they are exhibiting negativism and state that they are only trying to be “realistic”. Hogwash!
I like being positive and have fun thinking about what can happen if I knew I couldn’t fail.
At our Visiting Angels company we know how difficult the aging process can be and we strive to hire only compassionate caregivers who will help build self esteem in our clients and help them when they are weak to enjoy the final seasons life with dignity.
What are your thoughts about slacking? Please post them here if you choose.
Blessings,
Michael Simpson
