One of my Axioms for Life is a verse from the book of Proverbs.

Proverbs 14:23, “In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.” I have made diligence and hard work a crucial part of my life and ministry. My parents raised me on the farm with a strong work ethic. I believe that God blesses the character trait of diligence, but I also enjoy working and getting as much done as possible in a given amount of time. My Dad used to say, “The one who works the hardest will get the most done, and the one who gets the most done will succeed in life the most, everything else being equal.” When I left the farm to be a pastor, my Dad said, “Every pastor I know is fat and plays golf all the time.” That is why I didn’t take up golf until after my Dad died. I wanted to prove him wrong on one of those points! Everyone is born lazy and hopefully develops the character trait of diligence in their growing-up years, or learns it as an adult, or remains lazy. The problem of laziness has increased markedly in our country in the last few years. The stories I hear from business owners and supervisors about employees would be funny if not so sad. The natural inclination to laziness remains in our flesh and pops up periodically. My natural tendency to be lazy has increased as I have gotten older and have less physical energy. I have had to consciously increase my non-physical work as my physical work has decreased. My thinking, writing, and speaking abilities have increased, so I continually seek opportunities to serve the Lord using those tools. The key thing for me is to rest systematically, not based on being tired because I am always tired now, but it is a physical energy tiredness, and I can sit, read, write, and physically rest at the same time and feel as good as if I took a nap. Another important discipline for me is not watching television too much, playing video games, or simply sitting and daydreaming. Those time-wasters are easy to justify as I get older, and they are enjoyable but addicting. My primary motivation is the “Judgment Seat of Christ,” where I will be rewarded for my work for the Lord. I think about and imagine about that event every day, and as a result, I am motivated to press on in life and run the race with endurance that the Lord has set before me. Read 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, and you will see that the word work is used five times. My work for God is important, and He will reward me for it both in this life and in eternity.