More than Adrenalin

(Proverbs 18:9 KJV)  He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

Is “slothful” (slack NASB) (7503) something that comes over time, develops full blown or a trait we are born with?  The word is fairly common in the Old Testament, found in 45 verses.  It has the idea of relaxing, sinking or becoming less aware.  I think of a guard at the end of his shift.  He is not on edge.  His energy is waning and his attention is wandering.  That is the condition.  From that I would guess that it can strike anyone at anytime.

Have you ever been on an all-night drive and you begin to get sleepy.  You are having a hard time staying awake.  Suddenly you almost kill yourself, the adrenalin begins to flow and you are alert again, at least for a time.  The real need in those situations is to stop and get some rest, not to keep drinking coffee.

So?  Rest can take many forms and there is a time for it.  Where am I getting slack?  Has reading my Bible become a ritual instead of an adventure?  Has doing my best at work drifted from my mind?  Then we need to ask ourselves about our roles as spouses and parents.  Rest and focus.