The Peril of “Nothing to Do” {a devotional}
The way of the slothful man is an hedge
of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. Proverbs
15:19.
Industry is a blessing to youth. A life
of idleness is to be shunned by a young man as a vice. However humble
the occupation may be, if only honorable, if the humble duties are
done faithfully, he will not lose his reward. Industry is essential
to health. If habits of industry were encouraged, a door would be
closed against a thousand temptations. Those who lounge away their
days, having no aim or object in life, are troubled with dejection
and tempted to seek amusement in forbidden indulgences which enervate
the system and tax the physical powers tenfold more than the most
taxing labor. Indolence destroys more than hard labor. Many die
because they have not the ability or inclination to set themselves to
work. “Nothing to do” has killed its thousands.
If youth will preserve habits of virtue
and strict purity, and observe the laws God has established in the
being, they may preserve their lives although required to perform
severe labor during their lifetime. Long life is the heritage of
diligence.
Some young men think if they could
spend a life in doing nothing they would be supremely happy. They
cultivate a hatred for useful labor. They envy the sons of pleasure
who devote their lives to amusement and gaiety.... Unhappiness and
heartaches are the result of such thoughts and conduct. Nothing to do
has sunk many a young man in perdition. Well-regulated labor is
essential for the success of every youth. God could not have
inflicted a greater curse upon men and women than to doom them to
live a life of inaction. Idleness will destroy soul and body. The
heart, the moral character, and physical energies are enfeebled. The
intellect suffers, and the heart is open to temptation as an open
avenue to sink into every vice. The indolent man tempts the devil to
tempt him....
Religion will prove to you an anchor.
Communion with God will impart to every holy impulse a vigor that
will make the duties of life a pleasure. ~Our High Calling, by E.G. White
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