The Danger of Inactivity

Volume 1 1995

King David was an extraordinary soldier and a devout servant of the Lord God. Generally regarded as Israel’s greatest king, and the author of many of the most loved Psalms and hymns, David had the unique privilege of being described as a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22).

Yet, 2 Samuel 11 records the most disastrous fall into sin by David. It all began with those ominous words:

“In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war...David remained in Jerusalem.”
2 Sam 11:1

The quickest way to destroy one’s spiritual zeal is to respond to Biblical commands with apathy. It is a guaranteed pathway to spiritual disaster:

When God speaks and we don’t listen;
What the Bible teaches we don’t apply;
What God commands we don’t obey;
Where God sends we don’t go.

There is a tremendous danger in passivity. Inactivity is deadly to spiritual life (Matt 25:33-46).

“Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17

Of course, on the opposite extreme, battle fatigue/burn out is another serious threat to healthy, balanced discipleship. Nevertheless, those who linger inactively at home when they should be off to war are easy targets for temptation. The devil finds evil work for idle hands. When God commissions us to fight then we dare not flinch from our duty.

“Shall your countrymen go to war while you sit here?” Numbers 32:6

The sword is also a symbol of our faith (Hebrews 4:12). We are to take “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” Eph 6:12 and “fight the good fight of faith.” 1 Tim 6:12.

“A curse on him who is lax in doing the Lord’s workl A curse on him who keeps his sword from bloodshed.” Jer 48:10

The most healthy habit we can cultivate is the practice of obeying God’s Word and responding immediately to a call for action. True love shows itself in action (1 John 3:18). It is spiritually refreshing to step out in faith and obey God.

The first time I heard the Gospel, I went forward and committed my life to Christ. The first time I heard a request for volunteers, I volunteered. When Scripture Union needed workers for a holiday mission; when the Sunday School needed another teacher; when posters needed to be put up to advertise evangelistic rallies; when counsellors were needed; and when I heard the first challenge to get involved in missions, I volunteered. And looking back, I’m so glad I got involved on each of these occasions.

Responding to these calls with enthusiasm were the best things that I could have done. They were followed by spiritually testing times, sometimes tough times, always teaching times. They were used by the Lord to purge, purify, and prepare me to be more prayerful and practical in the adventure of Christian discipleship.

The first time I heard of the persecution of Christians in Mozambique - that there was less than one Bible for every hundred Christians in Mozambique - I started to pray for Mozambique. Soon I was preparing to smuggle Bibles into that war-torn Marxist country. Before long, God had miraculously provided, guided and protected me all the way to Maputo and I was able to deliver the first shipment of Bibles Christians had received since the revolution. What a privilege it is to trust and obey our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

Responding to needs in obedience to the clear commands of Scripture - that is what Christianity is meant to inspire. George and Maretha, overcoming all obstacles, delivered desperately needed Bibles and medicines to war ravaged Angola. Grant, battling with malaria and vehicle breakdowns, walking for days to be the first to present the Gospel to inaccessible villages in the Zambezi valley. Fanie, swimming across crocodile-infested rivers, to carry in, by hand, boxes of Bibles and medicines for Angola. George and Maretha driving across Africa because Christians in Sudan are suffering and in need of help. This is the essence of Christian love in practise. Overcoming all obstacles and discouragements, enduring whatever suffering is required, making whatever sacrifices are necessary - persisting until the task is completed.

The best words of advice ever given were spoken by Mary. Referring to Jesus, she said:
“Whatever He tells you to do, do it! John 2:5

Peter Hammond

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