With the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us have been at home, including undergraduates and personnel. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of idleness. This has made many Christians return to their once cherished sins. Others have been entangled in sexual immorality and pornography. The increase in rape cases in many places is part of the consequence of idleness.
The return of European football matches brings with it another time-taking adventure. Many young adults spend time arguing about who is a better footballer, who scored the better goal and in other creativity-draining discussions. It’s funny how many people in Africa spend time arguing which of their European age mates is better.
Gambling and football betting would also be the result of such sinful idleness. The gambler and his money would surely be separated, fretting away already scarce resources.
Idleness is Also Called ‘Iniquity’
See what the Bible say about idleness, Ezekiel 16:49 (KJV): Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. When you spend time doing nothing profitable, it is idleness. The Bible calls it iniquity.
Another Scripture was more descriptive. 1 Corinthians 10:7 (KJV): Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. If this didn’t sink in, see this — Those who spend their time to EAT, DRINK and PLAY typify idleness.
Note the first line of that verse. It says in simple language that idle people are idolaters. Wow! Idleness equals iniquity and idolatry.
So, what would you do? Repent!
The Cure for Idleness
Getting engaged profitably is physical, intellectual, and, from the last paragraph, it’s also spiritual. A simple rule to guide you could be to ask yourself some questions: WHAT IS THE VALUE OF THE TIME I’M SPENDING ON THIS ACTIVITY? DOES IT ALIGN WITH MY CORE VALUES AND GOALS? Have a to-do list of daily activities and evaluate yourself.
During this period of the COVID-19 lockdown, seek online opportunities to learn. Take a free online courses and brandish a new certificate. Of course, this is better time spent than laughing all day at some Instagram skits.
If you are out of a job or your salary has been delayed/reduced, do some side hustle. For instance, you could sell well-packaged snacks like chinchin, chips, pop corn, ice cream, yoghurt or zobo drinks. Advertise this on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter. You will be amazed how it could turn out to be the start of a great venture.
For your spiritual life, repent from pornography, gambling, gaming, overeating, and anything else that does not glorify God in your life. If these have become habits, ask for the power in the blood of Jesus Christ to break this chain of sin.
Stay away from situations and people who encourage idle activities. Your spiritual and physical life would benefit greatly from this.
Stay away from idleness, get active. Remain productive.
