The Pitfalls of Irresponsibility - Stressing the Rails - February 9, 2022, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

The Pitfalls of Irresponsibility - Stressing the Rails - February 9, 2022

February 09, 2022

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY February 9, 2022

The Pitfalls of Irresponsibility

The sin of laziness is hazardous, especially because it can hurt our witness for Christ.

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

God wants us to be diligent in our work and faithful to complete it. But in our self-absorbed, pleasure-seeking culture, it’s very easy to get side-tracked into laziness or irresponsibility. This sin is dangerous in a Christian’s life because of the harm that can result: Relationships with loved ones go untended, the needs of others are overlooked, and our work becomes sloppy.

As Christ’s followers, we are to represent Him in our character, conduct, and conversation. Laziness, however, suggests we are unreliable and untrustworthy. What’s more, it wastes both the time and the gifts the Lord has given us. All of these things hurt our witness.

Irresponsible behavior doesn’t fit who we are in Christ. Our Lord modeled diligence for us by accomplishing all that the Father gave Him to do, and as a result, the Father was glorified (John 17:4). Some day we will each give an account to God and receive compensation for what we have done, whether it was good or worthless (2 Corinthians 5:10). If you realize you’ve been careless in some area of your life, confess it as sin. Then ask God for the grace to resist laziness and pursue diligence.

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.