Bludger or Servant?

"The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway."

Proverbs 15:19

A couple nights ago a segment aired on Channel 9 called the "Dole Bludger Challenge."  According to an article written in 2010, an alarming number of Australians are "on the dole," basically receiving a welfare check or unemployment benefits.  A "bludger" is someone who can physically work but is simply too lazy to do so.  While there are people who have genuine needs and are the victims of redundancy or downsizing, there seem to be many who would rather be a bludger than work for their living.  This "bludger" tendency can be seen throughout all cultures and people of the world.

King Solomon compares the way of a lazy man to a hedge of thorns.  He has an excuse to avoid doing anything, seeing potential harm and difficulty in every movement.  A lazy man will not get out of bed because it is too cold.  He gives up buying cigarettes because of the expense but does not quit smoking, bumming off his friends and co-workers.  He cannot afford petrol, but he can afford Foxtel and beer!  If he cannot be the boss he will not work at all because it would be a waste of his genius.  It is amazing how hard some people will work to avoid working.  Instead of seeing opportunities all around him, a lazy man sees any effort as a dangerous, unnecessary intrusion upon his life.

Paul laid out a principle which still rings true today in 2 Thessalonians 3:10:  "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work, neither shall he eat."  God instilled this precept with His people when He led them out of Egypt and they were required to rise every day and gather their daily portion of manna.  If they woke up late after the sun grew hot, the manna would melt.  The only day when they were able to gather a double portion was the day before the Sabbath.  There will be no "spiritual dole bludgers" that inherit the kingdom of God.  We are all called to serve the LORD faithfully, following Christ's example as servant of all in obedience to His Father's will.  God has given to each of His children talents to use for the increase of His kingdom.  If we use our talents wisely and faithfully we will be greatly rewarded with heavenly rewards and responsibilities.  But if we are self-serving, bury our talents in the ground, wasting our life and resources, we are not servants of God at all.  Those in this life who used the grace and mercy of God to cloak their sloth and selfishness will be cast into outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:24-30).

The way we order our lives now counts for eternity.  Unlike the lazy man whose way is as a impenetrable hedge of thorns, the "way of the upright is a highway."  We can choose to do things the world's way or God's way.  Through His Word, God gives us clear direction for living.  We are told how we can live a life which is fully pleasing unto God, for He has given Christians all things necessary for life and godliness.  Our lives can be free from the impediments of sin through the deliverance and cleansing blood of Jesus Christ by grace through faith.  The chains of sinful addiction are broken and the thorns of doubt and unbelief have been cleared away.  Following Jesus is not an easy path, but it is one already trail-blazed and cleared by our Saviour, Jesus Christ.  Instead of faltering we can press forward with confidence in our God and His promises.  May our lives echo the words of Christ when He said in John 9:4-5, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. ⁵ As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  Jesus is the Light, and may He shine brightly through us!