The Sin of Doing Nothing

The problem of doing nothing has always been and continues to be a real problem. This problem exists in the body of Christ as well as out. There seems to be a prevailing attitude in the church that says, the best way to avoid mistakes, hurt feelings or the loss of friends is to do nothing. As a result of this concept some become completely inactive in the Lord’s work. Do they not realize that doing nothing is a violation of scriptural injunction (James 1:22-27) and constitutes sin (James 4:17).

Every member of the church has a place and is needed to work and be active within his or her realm of ability (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). If every member of the church had the do nothing mentality, the consequences would be devastating: the church would diminish and grow week because of no evangelism. Sin and immortality would run rampant because of no opposition of reproving. Homes would grow weaker because of a lack of spiritual base.

It must be realized that those in the judgment scene of Matthew 25:31-46 who were condemned were those who did nothing, “For I was an hungered and, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not; sick and in prison, and ye visited me not…” (Verses 42-56)

The Lord expects His people to be actively involved in His work. (1 Corinthians 15:58; Titus 2:10; Titus 2:7; Romans 12:22)

We must all realize that we will stand before the judgment bar of God (2 Corinthians. 5:10; Romans 14:12), to answer for what we have done whether good or bad. We will be judged by the perfect standard, the word of God (John 12:48; James 2:12; Revelation 20:12- 14), and to do nothing will bring the disfavor of God (Matthew 25:41-56)

What are you doing in the Lord’s work? Are you abounding in the work of the Lord or are you doing nothing! It has been said the man is to be pitied who tries and fails, but in reality, the man to pitied, is the man who never tries. My friends what will your answer be as you stand in the divine judgment hall? Will you say I labored for you or I did nothing at all?

Bill Cantrell