2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

We are among the most comfortable people in all of human history. And so it is no surprise that laziness is an easy vice to fall into. But instead of rebounding into a workaholic lifestyle, the Bible calls us to rightly understand the place of both work and rest. True rest is found in Jesus, trusting God’s provision, and we work diligently to honour God.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

God worked, then rested ... and created us to do the same – fully engaging in His purposes on earth. When we disobediently and selfishly disengage from His purposes ... when we abandon kingdom work ... we cease to love, to worship, and to point people to the work of Christ – His saving grace.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

The Bible clearly teaches that genuine believers commit themselves to cultivating their ongoing relationship with Christ through daily diligence and work. This is how we demonstrate our love for the Father and walk in his love for us. Sloth is the vice of avoiding this demand of love either in laziness, apathy, or busyness. In Christ, we have forgiveness for our slothful hearts and we can walk in his ways in order to live a life of true meaning, purpose, and joy.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-12

Sloth may be one of the most misunderstood of the seven Capital Vices because typically, we think about sloth as simple laziness. However, with sloth there is more than what meets the eye because beyond laziness, sloth is more a condition of our hearts than of our hands. It numbs our hearts to the beauty of God and resists our created purpose to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.

James 3:13-17

Envy is the relentless desire, not simply to have more, but to deprive others. While greed seeks the objects, envy wants what others have. In this way, envy is far more destructive both to ourselves and to those around us. The gospel calls us to be thankful in all that we have, so that we might show the charity of Jesus to those around us.

James 3:13-16

Envy is an inward heart sin that inevitably has destructive, outward effects. Because of this, it’s imperative that we repent and look to Christ to shape us in His loving ways.

James 3:13-16

Envy is an inward heart sin that inevitably has destructive, outward effects. Because of this, it’s imperative that we repent and look to Christ to shape us in His loving ways.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Envy is similar to jealousy, covetousness, and greed, but has the person in the crosshairs not the thing they possess. It is a sickness of the heart that finds it hard to love God and neighbour because it is so consumed with the gifts and possessions that others have. The remedy is found in the gospel and allows us to think, act, and speak with love and rejoice in the well-being of others.