Sloth is the least noticed of the Seven Deadly Sins of Christian tradition; the sin of doing nothing, and as such, becomes a breeding ground for the others: envy, gluttony, greed, anger, lust, and pride. Paul warns the church at Thessalonica, "We hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies" (2Thessalonians 3:11). When people are not busy doing what they should, it ought not surprise to find them doing what they shouldn't.
So Paul advises, "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (2Thessalonians 3:11), connecting behavior and consequences; always a good idea. "Stand firm," exhorts Paul, "and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" (2Thessalonians 2:15), knowing tolerance is also sloth, a laziness of mind and will, standing for nothing. But the best antidote to sloth is the service we do toward one another, "do not grow weary in doing good" (2Thessalonians 3:13). There is no laziness in love.
Daily Prayer
My God, may I live life fully, actively, passionately serving others in the Name and to the glory of Your Son, Jesus Christ. May love drive me toward people, toward forgiveness and reconciliation when called for, toward charity to those in need, toward encouragement to the discouraged.
May I have no time for gossip, may there be no room for bitterness, may my life be too full to allow for either idolatry or idleness. May I stay single-focused on love, toward you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength, and toward others seeking their best.
Amen
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