Success is not a matter of chance, but a product of choice, discipline, and divine alignment. For many young people today, the desire to succeed burns brightly, yet the twin shadows of laziness and procrastination often cloud the path. These subtle enemies of progress do not announce themselves with loud alarms; instead, they creep in quietly, disguising themselves as comfort, fleeting rest, or harmless delay. But Scripture calls us to a life of purpose, diligence, and unwavering commitment to the tasks set before us.
From the very beginning, God modeled work and intentionality. In Genesis, we see Him creating the world with precision and order, and then resting, not out of laziness, but as a celebration of completed work. This divine pattern teaches us that rest is meaningful only when it follows labor. Proverbs 6:6-11 urges us to consider the ant, a creature without overseers, yet diligent in preparing for the future. The ant does not wait for any crisis to act; it moves with foresight and urgency. This is the kind of mindset young people must adopt if they are to fulfill their God-given potential.
Laziness is the quality or state of being unwilling to work or exert effort, even when one is capable of doing so. Laziness, though often dismissed as a harmless habit, is a spiritual and practical hindrance. Proverbs 10:4 warns that “lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.” This is not merely about financial gain, but also speaks to the richness of life that comes from purposeful living. A lazy person may dream, but without action, those dreams remain distant illusions. Ecclesiastes 9:10 reinforces this truth: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” God does not bless half-hearted effort. He honors those who pursue excellence with passion and persistence.
Procrastination, on the other hand, is the art of postponing purpose. It convinces us that tomorrow is always available, that there will be a better time, a more convenient season. Yet, James 4:17 confronts this lie directly: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin.” Delaying obedience is disobedience. When we procrastinate, we not only waste time, but we dishonor the opportunities God has placed before us. The tragedy of procrastination is not just missed deadlines, but missed destinies.
Youth is a season of strength and creativity. It is not a time to be wasted in idle pursuits or endless scrolling. Paul charged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 that: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers…” Young people are not called to blend in with a culture of delay and distraction; they are called to stand out as examples of diligence and focus. Ecclesiastes 12:1 also echoes: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth…”
Success begins when we align our energy with eternal purpose.
To be determined to succeed is to make a covenant with discipline. It means waking up with intention, working with excellence, and refusing to let comfort rob you of your calling. It is not enough to wish for success; you must actually work for it. And that work must be rooted in faith, guided by Scripture, and fueled by the Spirit of God. The journey will not always be easy. There will be moments of fatigue, seasons of discouragement, and temptations to quit. But those who press on, like Paul in Philippians 3:14, will find the prize: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Ultimately, success is not defined by applause or accolades, but by obedience and lasting impact. When you choose to eschew laziness and procrastination, you choose to honor God with your time, your talents, and your testimony. So, rise up, young believer. Be determined. Be diligent. And let your life be a living epistle of what it means to pursue purpose with passion.
Written by
Benedicta Serwah Owusu
Editor-Librarian, PENSA-PU
