One of the dangers facing any Christian is the possibility to lose our inspiration and dawdle—almost imperceptibly—towards an indolent disposition, for as the Scriptures declare, the cares of this world, together with the desires for other things, can cause us to drift away into a languid state denuded of motivation and excitement. Obviously, this transition doesn’t happen overnight. It grows subtly in the soil of neglectfulness while lying low in the undergrowth of a lukewarm life.
A pertinent warning
Being aware of the danger, the author of Hebrews writes: “… do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). The Greek word for sluggish is νωθρός (nothros); it appears only twice in the New Testament and both scriptures are found in the Book of Hebrews. Here is the other passage:
Of whom we have many things to say, which are hard to be uttered, because ye are dull of hearing” (Heb. 5:11).
In this verse, the word “nothros” is translated by the adjective “dull”, and it is related to hearing. It refers to a lack of sharpness, to a scarcity of promptitude when time comes to pay attention to what is being said, to a lethargic passivity opposed to a vivid sense of inquiry. When James writes: “So then, my brethren beloved, let every man be swift to hear” (James 1:19), he refers to a vibrant desire to learn, which is antithetical to the dullness referred to in Hebrew 5:11.
Therefore when we read, “… do not become sluggish … ” (Heb. 6:12), we are entreated to remain diligent and enthusiastic, zealous for good works (Titus 2:14) and abounding in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:13).
The point of focus
The important thing here is to understand that this energetic devotion is preyed upon by the devil, the world and the flesh, and therefore can be wolfed down if left unattended.
Becoming unfruitful
The same idea is presented in the parable of the sower when it says:
Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” (Mark 4:18,19)
Here we have another “becoming”, a transition from fruitfulness to fruitlessness. What is the case is now giving way to what was not the case, and this, through a process of degeneration; and we are told that this process is being caused by three injurious notorieties, namely, the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things. Time and again these three factors have demonstrated their sterilizing capacity. They can contaminate our heart and reduce our perception of spiritual reality. When this happens, we usually enter in a state reminiscent to hypnosis—at least as far as our spiritual life is concerned. So we become spiritually sluggish while becoming busy with mere materialities.
An efficient antidote
Happily, the author of Hebrews doesn’t only exhort us to flee from sluggishness; he also offers a solution.
We desire,” he wrote, “that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end” (Heb. 6:11).
Each one of us is thus entreated to show diligence, i.e., to stay on the alert and strive vehemently to keep our spiritual blood flowing. But to which purpose, one may ask? Why should we show assiduousness and tenacity when it comes to our spiritual life? The answer is straightforward: “… that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). Here diligence is prescribed as an efficient means by which an indolent disposition can be avoided, and you can be sure the author of Hebrews knew what he was talking about, for he had seen how the world can easily dispassion the fervent heart and bring it to a place of absolute infertility.
So here diligence is the antidote, it is the panacea that can cure a large number of spiritual indispositions.
Diligence defined
When we speak of diligence we infer a departing from mediocrity. The very word expresses commitment. It reveals the presence of a compelling priority.
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).
“… not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord” (Rom. 12:11).
“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Prov. 12:24).
In these verses, as in many others, the word ‘diligence’ is imbibed with passion, a passion resulting from singleness of heart. Nothing else is interfering. Consequently, for the diligent Christian, it is all or nothing. The mind is set and the course of action is clear. The energy is not diffused but centered on an all-absorbing objective. It is grace on grace and inspiration on aspiration. No room is left for sluggishness. The Spirit of old is moving upon the whole man and the mind is renewed through meditation and prayer.
And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:11,12).
The antidote doesn’t only prevent us from sluggishness, it also spurs us on to emulate the lovers of old, whose zeal and dedication have wrought victories and shaken kingdoms.
This is glory and this is life. Let us press on unto perfection and honor the One who deserves our very best, for this is our calling on this side of eternity.
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