How to Get the Lazy Out of Your Life
So, what is a “pastel” person?
pastel
adjective
pas·tel | \ pa-ˈstel \
: lacking in body or vigor*
Like a pastel color, pastel people absorb your light. They take up valuable space and time with little to know return. They are driven by comfort, not responsibility.
They bring nothing to the table, but they are always ready to eat.
Written by the Apostle Paul, the book of Titus in the bible is a letter written to someone with the responsibility of bringing order to chaos. Only three chapters, the book refers to doing good eight times. Eight times. In one letter. How bad do you have to be at doing good for someone to have to constantly ask you to do different? Titus had a major work ahead of him.
The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. ~Titus 1:5 New International Version
Pastel people always have unstructured, unfinished business. In most cases, they leave what’s decent and in order to someone else, then invest their time in criticizing what hasn’t been done.
For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. ~Titus 1:10 NIV
Judgmental Jews of that day frequently used the law of circumcision as a tool to invalidate and demean those who weren’t. But no good comes from division, so Paul charged Titus with the task of cleaning up the contention and dismissing those creating drama.
Clean up the drama. Sounds like a good lesson for us all.
So, how do you deal with pastel people?
#1
Make sure they are not following your example.
Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. ~Titus 1:7-9 NIV
If God has put you in charge of something – even if it’s just your own life – he expects you to keep it in order. Organize your time, your life, your dreams and aspirations in such a way that people know to either move with you or get out of the way. Sounds mean, doesn’t it? But ask yourself… how much have you lost already investing in pastel people? Structure gives God room to work and you room to do good.
And, finally…
#2
Introduce options for change, but if change doesn’t come… move on.
Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned. ~Titus 3:10 NIV
People who take and never give create an unbalanced, divisive environment. Work with people who want to work with you. Surround yourself with builders of good not lazy. Once you have expressed your concerns, be sure to measure the saturation levels. Do you see color coming? If their behavior does not add a pop of color to your life, make the shift.
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives. ~Titus 3:14 NIV
Our colors change when we devote ourselves to something bigger than ourselves.
There is so much untapped good in the world, so much good in you. Live a life saturated by the goodness of God and people. Make sure your crayon box is full of complementary colors, then go make your masterpiece.
*“Pastel.” Entry 2 of 2. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pastel. Accessed 30 Sep. 2021
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I hope you have enjoyed the series, “People: Who You can Live With or Without. Let’s close it our together Friday night on Facebook Live, 7pm on “QT w/GOD n Me”!
I’m excited about our new series for October titled, “I’m Free!” Join me next week as we unpack what real freedom looks like and how to get it.
In the meantime, click below to check out blogs
you might have missed from the “People” series.
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PHILLIPA WILLIAMS
WRITER | MENTOR | TEACHER |
LOVER OF CHOCOLATE |
PURPOSED TO EMPOWER |
30+ YEARS IN MINISTRY LEADERSHIP |
PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL
Phillipa also the Founder of ilooklikeLOVE, Inc., a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization providing diaper assistance to families in need and opportunities for mothers to empower themselves.
Look for her upcoming book,
GOD n You: Finding Your Place in Forever.
