February 5, 2025 -- Ecclesiastes 9:10 -- Laziness versus self motivation
/People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 ESV
Many of you know that I fill in a Daily Character Inspection chart. There are twenty-four-character traits listed. Each one has an appropriate Bible verse as the source for both understanding the character trait and to help direct one in his introspection. Why mention it? For me, memorization is linked with self-motivation (the eighth of these twenty-four).
I have been stumbling in my goal of memorization. I have taken a day off, for legitimate reasons, but that one day has become three. Self-motivation is completing the tasks for you are responsible and doing so without having to be prompted by others. It is what is described in Ecclesiastes, what your hand finds to do, doing it all your might. While you live (because Sheol can mean death or the grave) you stick to your commitments and carry them out. Whenever self-motivation is lacking, one tends to laziness and being unproductive. Laziness breeds more inactivity and excuses.
I have often encouraged those who are memorizing to find an accountability partner. When you are strong in your commitments you can encourage your brother who is struggling. When you are struggling, your brother can encourage you so that together you keep your commitments to the Lord and to one another.
Why is memorization so important?
Jesus was tempted by the devil and He quoted Scripture to turn away the temptation.
Scripture hidden within the heart leads the believer in righteousness.
Memorization is a command with a promised blessing of fruitfulness (Psalm 1).
To love God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength requires that you know God and memorization of His Word is part of the process.
Prayer
I have been greatly distressed of soul
because I did not suitable come to the fountain
that purges away all sin;
I have labored too much for spiritual life,
peace of conscience, progressive holiness,
in my own strength.
I beg thee, show me the arm of all might;
Give me to believe
that thou canst do for me more than
I ask or think,
and that, though I backslide,
thy love will never let me go,
but will draw me back to thee
with everlasting cords;
that thou dost provide grace in the wilderness,
and canst bring me out,
leaning on the arms of my Beloved…
Part of the prayer: “Backsliding” Valley of Vision, page 157
https://youtu.be/90b2nXE_b3o?si=HuTXq69ENmCRmzK3 “O The Blood”
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