The seventh and final sin in the list of “Seven Deadly Sins” is the sin of sloth.

Synonyms for Sloth include: laziness, lethargy, idleness, inactivity, and apathy. The Bible has a lot to say about this deadly sin.

Most Old Testament references talk about PHYSICAL SLOTH. Passages talk about not doing things at the proper time (Prov. 20:4 and Eccl. 10:18) Lazy people tend to procrastinate and often don’t “get around” to doing things until it is too late. Therefore they are often full of excuses (Prov. 26:13)

Slothfulness doesn’t just reveal itself in physical inactivity, however. Sloth can be seen in RELATIONSHIPS. Mark 14 tells the story of how Peter, James, and John didn’t keep watch and pray as Jesus requested. Instead they let Him down by falling asleep, not once but three times!

Sometimes we fill our lives with low priority things and then we don’t have the energy left for those closest to us. We can be lazy about MAKING, MAINTAINING, or DEEPENING relationships. Each of these activities requires a effort and diligence, something we may not do if we fill our lives with energy-sapping activities and commitments.

The ultimate danger of sloth is SPIRITUAL SLOTHFULNESS. Sloth ultimately reflects our attitude towards God. If we lack diligence in spiritual areas and are undisciplined in following Jesus, we aren’t a follower at all. The word “disciple” has “discipline” nestled within.

Instead of putting God first in their lives, some people fill their lives with so much busyness and activity that they don’t have anything left over for God. That leaves them easy targets for temptation and makes them too selfish to serve others.

Peter learned from his experience when he let Jesus down! Listen to what he wrote in 1 Peter 5: “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith…”

Don’t let your life get so full of trivial events and pursuits that you grow spiritually sluggish. Don’t let yourself grow spiritually lazy. Be diligent, stay strong, stand firm!