Indolence
Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament [1]
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.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): ( n.) Freedom from that which pains, or harasses, as toil, care, grief, etc.
(2): ( n.) The quality or condition of being indolent; inaction, or want of exertion of body or mind, proceeding from love of ease or aversion to toil; habitual idleness; indisposition to labor; laziness; sloth; inactivity.
