The Houston Rockets squeaked into the NBA Playoffs, and they are already down 0-2 in their series against the Warriors. The Rockets are a disappointing team, considering they have James Harden. As one of the best offensive players in the whole league, Harden can score in multiple ways and has a unique style of play.

As impressive as Harden is on the offensive side, he’s gotten a terrible reputation for being an extremely poor defensive player. Sports and social media have put a spotlight on his defensive laziness, which is unfortunate since he’s such a talented guy otherwise.

I don’t know why Harden chooses to be so lazy on defense, but I think this serves as a reminder to question the areas of life we are lazy. Are we lazy at work? Are we too lazy to help around the house? Are we lazy in making an effort with relationships? Are we too lazy to serve the community and help the less fortunate? And most importantly, are we spiritually lazy when it comes to reading the Bible, spending time with God, and praying?

Proverbs 18:9 (NLT) lets us clearly know how God feels about lazy people: “A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.”

Proverbs 20:4 (The Message) explains laziness like this: “A farmer too lazy to plant in the spring has nothing to harvest in the fall.”

Let’s also be encouraged by 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) – “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

It’s easy for us to call out a lazy athlete, but it’s challenging to actually take an inventory of our own lackadaisical attitudes and efforts. As we seek to follow Jesus, let’s do so without holding back and by giving all we have.

Let’s not miss out on the fullness of joy and peace that comes from really knowing God…just because we’re too lazy. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please reveal to me the areas of my life that I am lazy. Forgive me for my slothfulness in those areas, and give me the strength to show more effort in working to the best of my abilities. Please help me not to be lazy when it comes to serving You and pursuing after You. Thank You for Your love and grace, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.