Sloth is interesting because it deals with wrongly directed desire that is really a lack of desire. Sloth is the lack of desire to do something; be productive; use God-given gifts for God-glorifying activity.
Sloth is apathy, and a refusal to be responsive or responsible for one's calling.
The corresponding virtue to sloth is diligence; following through on one's responsibilities and calling.
Diligence should not be confused with overworking, which is often motivated by greed. Diligence is willingness to serve in any capacity in order to bring the most glory to God. It is not self-directed work, rather it is God-directed kingdom pursuit.
Consider Ephesians 2:10. Following the important declaration in verses 8-9 that we are saved by grace through faith, a gift of God, not by works, Paul follows up with these words,
"For we are God's workmanship (poetry),
created in Christ Jesus,
to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do."
God's grace is not merely aimed at the personal salvation of individual believers. Our salvation is not the end, but rather the means toward God's greater ends; the accomplishment of the good works God has prepared for us.
On the one hand, diligence recognizes this responsibility and seeks to pursue these ends seeking first God's kingdom and His righteousness. Sloth, on the other hand, ignores God's call and chooses to disregard this kingdom responsibility.
So I encourage each of us to pursue God's kingdom wholeheartedly, and not allow sloth to prevent us from accomplishing God's good purposes for His glory.
These have been my thoughts, and I invite you to share some of your own as we journey together along the Way ...
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