the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Indolence
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament
or INDOLENCE.—The spirit of Christ’s religion is inimical to indolence in the sphere of business (Luke 16:11, Matthew 24:48; Matthew 23:26), but more especially indolent Christianity is salt without savour (Matthew 5:13). Not only is a state of salvation hard to maintain (Matthew 7:14), but perfection is to be aimed at (Matthew 5:48). An enemy sows tares while we sleep (Matthew 13:25). The oil in our lamps consumes as we rest (Matthew 25:5). Watchfulness is the very opposite of indolence (Matthew 26:41). The hid talent will reproach the indolent in the day of reckoning (Matthew 25:18). Most deadly is the spiritual indolence which is satisfied to have Abraham for father (Luke 3:8, John 8:39), or Christ for Saviour, without response to the impulses of the Holy Spirit, the source of life and motion and progress.
A signal judgment may be executed upon the indolent soul, either after a period of further probation (Luke 13:6-9), or suddenly and unexpectedly when that day comes as a snare (Luke 21:34), and the Judge pronounces the sentence (Mark 11:14). The conscience must be kept awake and intelligent (Matthew 5:23-24). The beginnings of evil must be checked (v. 18f.). The ears must be open to learn, and the heart ready to believe (Matthew 11:15). The rock foundation to build the house upon may need much toil to reach it (Matthew 7:24). And continually the servant of Christ must he ready for his Master’s coming, with loins girded and lights burning (Luke 12:35).—Love is not indolent in seeking the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12). Hope is not indolent in running to the sepulchre (John 20:4), or hastening to the manger (Luke 2:16). Faith is not indolent in pressing through the crowd to be healed (Mark 5:27). ‘The zeal of thine house shall eat me up’ (John 2:17). See also art. Slothfulness.
W. B. Frankland.
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Hastings, James. Entry for 'Indolence'. Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/hdn/i/indolence.html. 1906-1918.
