I watched out the upstairs window, at a Blue Jay and a Robin. “How cute.” I mused. “They are waiting their turn with a piece of bread.”
But a piece of bread does not flutter when a bird lifts its head from pecking. It was the Robin’s baby!
For a moment, she took her eyes off her love. The Blue Jay took opportunity. Now the baby languishes toward death, while the mother watches from a small distance. Helpless to hope. Lacking in size and talent to fight back. Unable to morn. Yet unable to look away.
I looked immediately for relevance to humanity, Christianity, and the nature of Spiritual reality. “How does this apply to us?”
I remembered my thoughts in the shower. “diligence gives life. Slothfulness invites death.
Men love to play, rest, relax and be slothful. Every man either fights against it, or he gives in rather often. “What’s the matter with just hangin out?” Everything is wrong with just hangin out!
A buzzard is a fright filled animal. He loves peace and tranquility. Yet when hunger comes, he must embrace a certain elevated level of stress. He hates it. But it’s a necessity.
Demons are much the same. They hate righteousness. They love peace and tranquility. They are sloth amplified. So when they come across someone just hangin out, they look with intense interest. “Is he dead to God? Or is there still some faith left. Will he agree with my wicked and unholy desires? Or will he balk at suggestions?” If you agree with their enticements, they will consume you.
In my 60 years, I’ve learned that diligence produces peace and tranquility. When things are in order and finished, there is a time to hang out. But you won’t find diligent people hanging out to play games till sun up. They will be tired and ready for rest.
Yet they will take the time to pray; that precious sacrifice of “last hour of strength”. They will have busied themselves all day with things that matter, taking care of the charge before them. They will not have even caught the eye of demons. And, when their day is done, they will ask the Lord of Life to watch over their unconscious mind. They are diligent to the core. And they will LIVE.
Rest, peace, play and slothfulness will murder you. Those who love you will watch with mute horror, as you are devoured by wicked behavior. Your house will become a trash heap of useless dribble. And life will elude you all your days.
Words From There 