Do you feel completely uninspired? Are you struggling with your faith? Do you think you might be spiritually lazy? Do you suspect you are not a good example to others because of spiritual laziness? Is your own salvation a concern?
Maybe you are spiritually lazy. You might be missing a key ingredient that will ignite your spiritual life. If you are looking for new ways to challenge yourself when feeling spiritually lazy, this article will have the right recipe to spice up your spiritual life! Just read one of the 25 uplifting ways to challenge yourself!
All you need to know is whether you are spiritually lazy or just giving yourself a hard time, what it means if you are spiritually lazy, and what to do about it once you have recognized your spiritual laziness! Check, check, and check! This article has the perfect formula
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What Does It Mean to Be Spiritually Lazy?
Spiritual laziness occurs when we let our spiritual life slide. It is often accompanied by feelings of apathy and complacency. You might also have spiritual laziness if you just do not care about your spiritual life anymore. However, this is not always the case.
We all go through lulls – ups and downs – in our spiritual life. Spiritual laziness does not mean that you are not going to Heaven. If you are saved, you will continue to have this wonderful gift, even if the spark dies down a bit.
Spiritual laziness often happens when we stop trusting God and start relying on our own knowledge and wisdom. When you no longer “feel” the Holy Spirit, it is SO easy to fall into temptation. It’s important that we trust God and allow Him to work in our lives – on His terms.
If you suspect you have spiritual laziness, do not worry too much! You CAN get the spark back and be on fire for the Lord once again; you just need to find the right things in your spiritual life to inspire and motivate your relationship with God! All in all, it just takes a little work.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. – Colossians 3:23 (NIV)
What If I Am Spiritually Lazy?
Please note that if you are spiritually lazy, you are completely normal. Everyone goes through this at some point or another! Even if you show signs of spiritual laziness, you still might not be spiritually lazy! The signs of spiritual laziness are meant to be analyzed as a whole.
These signs are more like guidelines to gear you toward the possibility that you may be spiritually lazy. Take each one at face value; do not let one sign make you believe you have lost your salvation or destroyed your relationship with our Creator.
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. – Ephesians 6:17 (NIV)
What is NOT Spiritual Laziness?
If you are struggling with your faith, you are not necessarily being spiritually lazy! In fact, if you have just one of the signs of spiritual laziness, it doesn’t mean you are definitely spiritually lazy. However, if multiple signs affect your day-to-day life, you might have a spiritual problem.
What is important here is for you to realize that you are not alone and this is a normal part of life. In fact, you are possibly more spiritually aware than most people if you are reading this article. We just want to find ways to encourage you to build up your faith and the fire you once had!
It is NOT spiritual laziness if you have questions about your faith or if you do not have questions about your faith. However, being really apathetic in regard to your faith is a sign of spiritual laziness because you no longer have that childlike curiosity and wonder or the longing for God.
This being said, many are just wise and have a wealth of Biblical knowledge under their belt. If that sounds like you, you could just be mature. We all have something to learn, so do not be prideful in your knowledge and wisdom of the Bible!
Too much pride will destroy you. – Proverbs 16:18 (CEV)
What Should I Do If I Am Spiritually Lazy?
If you think you are spiritually lazy, do something about it! Do not just allow yourself to wither away or feel sorry for yourself because life has not turned out as you had planned. Give yourself a little bit of credit here; you are reading this article, so you do realize you have a problem.
Plus, you are clearly wanting to do something about it. Just take action, and that is a positive step in the right direction. Follow one of the ways listed in this article to challenge yourself to step out of the “spiritually lazy” zone you are in!
As long as you are taking steps in the right direction, you should know you are off to a good start. Give yourself a grade of a C+ or something for trying here. Next, take a REAL step toward spiritual growth. This means doing something outside of your spiritual comfort zone!
Most of all, it is important that you do not allow complacency to fester, or you might find that you do not care to build your faith anymore! This could put you in danger!
Remember, we are at war with the enemy. We need all the help we can get, and this means that you are a soldier in this battle. We need you! Consider the ways you can help the Kingdom of God and build your faith back up with the help of the Lord!
All things are possible with God. – Mark 10:27 (NIV)
Are You Spiritually Lazy?
Do you think you might be spiritually lazy? Do you KNOW this is the case? That could be a problem, but at least you are able to recognize it. How can you know for sure if you are spiritually lazy?
One sign of being spiritually lazy is going to church to “get something” out of sermons rather than to praise and worship the Lord, who died on the cross for your salvation. Also, saying the same prayers (rote prayers) over and over again without meaning the words can be a bad sign.
Another sign of being spiritually lazy is seeking God only when you have problems or when it is convenient for you. Rather, we should pray to God at all times, as we are instructed to do in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. We are told to NEVER stop praying, in fact.
Don’t just turn to God when you need Him. Of course, during those times, that is the best step you can take, but you’ll also want to reach out to Him when things are going well or even fantastic. Celebrate the victories in life with the One who created you!
Another common sign of spiritual laziness is reading the Bible to complete a checklist rather than to understand the written words. If Bible study is difficult for you, try an easy Bible study method, such as the SOAP Bible Study Method or the SWORD Bible Study Method.
To read about more signs of spiritual laziness, check out the article on the Top 10 Signs of Spiritual Laziness!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. – Proverbs 3:5 (NIV)
How to Overcome Being Spiritually Lazy (25 Ways)
So, have you established that you are spiritually lazy? It is time for you to do something about this! Read on for more interesting but totally doable ways to overcome being spiritually lazy.
#1. Start a new Bible reading plan.
A new Bible reading plan is a great way to get inspired by the Word of God. If you are new to the Bible or just want a fresh take on Bible reading, be sure to grab a topical Bible reading plan – one that is perfect for your particular circumstances!
The Sharing Life and Love Bible Reading Plan is FREE and available as an easy download.
#2. Join a Bible study group.
There are many kinds of Bible studies you can join. Your local church should have some available, but if you enjoy staying online, there is a Girls in the Word Facebook Group that does an online Bible study. Also, you could always take FREE Precept Ministry classes.
If you are spiritually lazy, joining a Bible study group is a great way to gain accountability and encouragement! Reach out to a group today to find out what a difference this option can make!!
#3. Go to Celebrate Recovery.
Another group activity that is very welcoming is Celebrate Recovery. This is not just an option for people needing recovery from drugs and alcohol, either. It is perfect for anyone with hurt and pain or who has experienced anything difficult in the past.
If this sounds like you, be sure to find a Celebrate Recovery meeting near you. You can also check out our FREE lessons and study guides in the Celebrate Recovery section of Sharing Life and Love. It is quite likely that you will find “CR” to be the exact place that you need right now!
#4. Read a new book!
Gaining inspiration from a new book is a great way to combat spiritual laziness. If you are looking for inspiration, try a Max Lucado book, a Beth Moore Bible Study, a Lysa TerKeurst book, or the Purpose Driven Life Series by Pastor Rick Warren.
Those are all great choices that will ignite your faith. If you want more ways to master your spiritual fatigue, be sure to check out the article on Spiritual Laziness or the one on Spiritual Habits. You can adopt one of those habits and spark your flame!
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. – Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
#5. Start a devotional.
A devotional is typically a book or Bible with short stories written in it. It is meant to inspire you and ignite your faith in new ways. If you do not have a Devotional Bible, you might consider hitting your local library or a garage sale to find one! A devotional book is also a popular option.
#6. Listen to encouraging music.
Encouraging or inspirational music is definitely a personal thing. You must find what works for you because what inspires one person will certainly not work for another. My husband enjoys Stryper; I love Phil Wickman! Neither is wrong, but we all have different styles of music!
Music is certainly something you should try if you suspect you are spiritually lazy!
#7. Watch a Bible journaling video.
When I feel spiritually lazy, I often flip over to YouTube and find some great videos on Bible journaling. They truly inspire me to get busy, working on marking in my Bible or highlighting the Bible in the ways that I learn best.
Bible journaling is all about combining creativity and what you learn in the Bible. If you enjoy Bible studies, you will probably really enjoy Bible journaling. If you are creative, there is no better outlet than to write in your Bible or draw a pretty picture.
Some Bibles were made for coloring or drawing with extra-wide margins. You can paint, draw, write, or do something altogether new in your Bible. There really are no limits to where your creativity can take you when it comes to Bible journaling. Have fun with it!
If you are suffering from spiritual laziness, Bible journaling is a fun way to snap out of it. You might even be able to inspire others through writing or making videos of your Bible journaling!
#8. Buy a new Bible or decorate yours!
This is probably my favorite way to combat spiritual laziness. Of course, we do have quite a collection of Bibles – many of which have been passed down to us. Nonetheless, we enjoy buying a new Bible or reference book every now and then to grow our Bible Reference Library.
#9. Watch an uplifting sermon.
For a little while, I was suffering from migraines, and I didn’t know why God was not answering our prayers about this. He was hearing them, but I just felt like He was not answering them the way WE wanted, which is a selfish mindset – I do realize this.
During this time, I found a great sermon that motivated me to see things from the other side of the road (When God Says NO by Rick Warren). I thought about it and realized all of the benefits I received in life from God’s unanswered (not answered the way I wanted) prayers.
Too often, we let the enemy (Satan) get us down because of prayers that are not answered in the only way that makes sense to us. Did you know that God does not think in the way that we do? He is limitless. He will answer us in a better way than we can imagine!
We should be grateful for that! It is in those unanswered prayers, or rather the prayers that are not answered in the way WE want, that we see the endless beauty of the gifts He gives. Don’t get so caught up in your own world that you forget His unlimited vision for your future!
#10. Try a new Bible study method.
There are SO many Bible study methods. If you are feeling a bit spiritually lazy right now, you might just find inspiration in a new Bible study method. Check out the SWORD Bible Study Method for something really cool or the SOAP Method for a simple variety.
We have FREE worksheets and articles for each type mentioned in this article. For a few articles that you can read for more information on the topic, be sure to look at our Bible Study section!
We are, therefore, Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)
#11. Challenge your 5 senses.
We are not limited to what we can watch on television or on our smartphones. We have ALL FIVE senses that we can use. Consider smell, for example. Light a new candle during your quiet time with the Lord. You will soon begin to associate a certain pleasant smell with this habit.
This simple trick might inspire you to take things one step further by buying a new pillow to sit on or a new blanket to use around the fireplace while you spend time with God. If you are on a budget, consider decluttering a bit. Find something old that you can reuse!
For another fun texture during your alone time with God, consider inviting a pet. You can give them attention while instilling a new prayer habit.
Of course, there are no limits when it comes to your time with God. Use your imagination and try to come up with something inspirational that will work for you!
#12. Praise the Lord in a new way!
If you have determined that you are spiritually lazy or just going through a period of spiritual laziness, all hope is not lost. Consider praising the Lord in a new way! There are so many ways that we can celebrate Him for who He is!!
Trying something new, like a new praise and worship song, is one of the best ways to get motivated!
#13. Lean on other believers.
Reaching out to Christian friends is another great option when facing spiritual laziness. Think of what you would say to a friend who came to you with this problem, and consider a friend that you know that could advise you of the same thing.
Maybe there is one friend who knows this area better than others. If you have a friend who is a good listener, they would be a great person to call on during your time of need. Make sure you let them know what is going on with you and how you feel you need a little motivation!
#14. Do a spiritual evaluation or spiritual gifts test.
When you evaluate your spiritual life, you analyze your spiritual struggles and all the spiritual victories that you have had. Look at your spiritual goals to see if you need to adopt any new spiritual habits that will mix things up a bit for you.
If you are struggling in a specific area spiritually, be sure to reach out to your pastor or minister. A spiritual evaluation of yourself also allows you to look at any areas that need improvement. If you notice that improvements are needed because you are spiritually lazy, get busy!
Once you discover WHERE you need to make improvements in your spiritual walk, determine how you will accomplish this. Maybe you need to purchase a new Bible to spark your interest or attend a class at your church. Hit Celebrate Recovery to see positive changes happening!
Make the necessary changes to whip your spiritual life back into shape. You will be glad you did. I have yet to meet someone who regrets making positive changes in their spiritual life!
Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. – Luke 16:10 (NIV)
#15. Discover your spiritual purpose.
If you determine that you are spiritually lazy, be sure to evaluate your spiritual purpose or your spiritual calling. You might wonder what the difference is. There is not a huge difference, but your spiritual calling is what you are called to do, whereas your purpose is why you do it.
#16. Read or write articles on faith topics.
If you have a passion for reading or writing, you can find inspiration by reading books, magazines, or articles on faith topics. If you feel spiritually lazy, this will help you get motivated to get God back in your life.
Maybe you enjoy journaling! Consider buying a journal or notebook and writing your spiritual testimony in it. To do this, you will want to look back over your life to see how God impacted it from before you were saved to the day of your salvation!
Writing can be a great outlet for releasing any negative emotions or feelings, especially if the enemy is working hard in your life to steer you in the wrong direction! Consider making a war binder or notebook with prayer strategies for the enemy, as advised in the book Fervent.
#17. Make lists!
I LOVE making lists. Am I alone in this? You can make all sorts of spiritual lists, too! Consider jumping into Philippians 2 for some needed spiritual inspiration on how to be a Christian. You can make a list of all the commands instructed in this chapter!
That’s just ONE example! Go wild in the Bible, and you will discover many new things! You just need a sense of adventure and a curious spirit to combat this spiritual laziness. You’ve got this!
#18. Pray about it (and watch for answers)!
If you are spiritually lazy, be sure to talk to God about it! He hears our prayers (1 John 5:14-15) and will answer you in one way or another. It might not be the answer you were expecting, but you will be able to easily discern His voice if you listen for it!
#19. Create or buy a prayer journal.
If you have the means to purchase a prayer journal, I would highly recommend this as a great way to combat spiritual laziness. You can make your own with a little creativity. I have several homemade prayer binders, journals, and notebooks. They definitely help!!
#20. Fast.
If you are spiritually lazy, you will find a new connection with God by fasting. Fasting is when you refrain from one thing to grow in another area, which, in this case, is your spiritual walk. Rick Warren has a great sermon on Praying and Fasting for a Breakthrough.
#21. Find inspiration in nature.
Many people have difficulty with being spiritually lazy. This is a common problem among Christians. However, you can find much inspiration in nature. Just walking around and enjoying God’s creation will show you that He is real and He is always here for you!
#22. Volunteer to help the less fortunate.
If you need to get the spark back in your spiritual life, be sure to do something loving for someone else. Volunteer work is a great way to give back and make a difference in this world. If you cannot physically go to a location to volunteer, there are many ways to volunteer at home.
You can write letters to inmates, send care packages to the military – who do not have families, or even just pray for those who are less fortunate. This is such rewarding work that you’ll definitely feel a connection with God if you do it.
#23. Make a new Christian friend.
Making new Christian friends is a great way to combat spiritual laziness. If you are struggling, a solid spiritual friendship can keep you on the straight and narrow path. Plus, a Christian friend is likely going to pray for you if you are having difficulties or problems.
#24. Create a war binder!
A war binder is meant for spiritual warfare. You can use a plain old notebook, create a fancy planner, or just make a scrapbook. Include in it anything that inspires your faith. You might want to include prayer cards, memory verses, and Bible verses that mean a lot to you.
The possibilities are endless, so make sure you find time to do this, especially if you are a talented soul. Your sense of creativity will thank you!
#25. Read Psalms in the Bible.
The Psalms in the Bible are mostly written by King David, who had a heart for God. You can find much comfort and motivation for your spiritual laziness if you read the Psalms. It is recommended that you try to read them out loud for the best effect.
Praying the Psalms in the Bible is also a great way to connect with God. If you are struggling because you are spiritually lazy, reach out to God and cry the Psalms for the care and ease of your negative spiritual health. You can beat this with the right tools and techniques!!
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth. – Proverbs 10:4 (NIV)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is laziness in Christianity?
When you try to do everything by yourself without the help of God, you experience spiritual laziness. The key is to rely on God more than you do yourself. Of course, the Holy Spirit guides us, but we must diligently seek His will for our lives over our own selfish desires.
What causes laziness?
Laziness is caused by a lack of motivation. If you are spiritually lazy, you are not motivated to go to church, seek God in prayer, or read and study your Bible. You might find your faith to be too much work. In that case, it is recommended you follow one of the suggestions in this article!
How can you overcome spiritual laziness?
If you have spiritual laziness, determine the areas where you are spiritually weak. Seek to know God with all your heart, even if you do not have the desire to do so. If you feel lost or apathetic, reach for God. He will guide your way, as He always does for those who are faithful.
What does God say about the lazy?
In the Bible, we see that God does not approve of those who are lazy. The Proverbs 31 woman was an eager, hard-working wife. Those who work hard for the Kingdom will be rewarded, as it says in Proverbs 13:4. God always provides for those who work hard.
What does the Bible say about laziness?
The Bible does mention laziness in a few places. For one, we cannot expect to be fruitful and have a harvest if we are too lazy to plow (Proverbs 20:4). Another verse (Proverbs 10:4) explains that hard work will leave you rich (with eternal rewards), as opposed to being poor.
Conclusion
Do you now know how to challenge yourself when you are spiritually lazy? Have you learned a way to combat spiritual laziness that will work for you? What will you do?
When faced with spiritual laziness, be sure to look at your intentions and make a conscious effort to change things going forward. If you struggle with being spiritually lazy, you can adopt new spiritual habits that uplift you and motivate you to make the needed changes.
We’d love to hear more about your experiences with spiritual laziness. Be sure to reach out if you have content ideas for Sharing Life and Love!
Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor. – Proverbs 12:24 (NIV)
