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Here the “ spirit of idleness” or “ἀργία” (from “ἀ-εργία,” literally “ not working” or “ not doing”) means the bad kinds of “ not doing.” There are also good kinds of “ not doing” (праздность) at certain, appropriate times (праздники), because we all need an occasional break in order to be restored or re-created (hence the word, ‘ re-creation’). But here idleness means “ not doing” what I am supposed to be doing, and when I am supposed to be doing it, according to my “vocation” or calling from God, according to His vision or purpose for me, specifically out of an avoidance and/or neglect of “responsibility” (i.e., my “ response-ability” or my “ ability to respond” to God’s call).
What causes me to befriend the “ spirit of idleness,” including procrastination? Several things, such as: 1. self-reliance, when I’m attempting to carry my responsibilities on my own shoulders, without God, and am hence, perhaps, overdoing it generally, so I do need a break, but don’t take it at appropriate times; 2. The resulting fear (of failure and/or success) regarding the task at hand, which is too much for me alone; and 3. A loss of vision/sense of my “vocation,” due to all-of-the-above.
This Thursday morning, let me replace fear with faith, and self-reliance with God-reliance, so I don’t get stuck in self-centered, fear-inspired circles. Let me re-focus and listen for God’s call to me, that I may respond in humble usefulness to myself and others. “ Thy will be done” with me today, O Lord, according to Your loving vision of and for me. Amen!
