Philosophy View Of Sleeping
To be in the state of rest when your eyes are closed, your body is not active, and your mind is unconscious.
Biblical View Of Sleeping
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.
1st Thessalonians 5:6-8 NIV
One of the duties of believing parents is to instruct their children about the hour of opportunity according to Proverbs 10:5, which describes the ripened harvest fields in summer and the character of the youngster who either works or sleeps during the harvest. King Solomon is the author for most of the book of Proverbs, he wrote Proverbs to offer instruction, wisdom and understanding and to offer discretion and knowledge to the young.
Take a look at the three demonstrations from different versions of Proverbs 10:5 so definitely we can see that the one who is asleep is truly missing their hour of opportunity during the harvest.
King James Version
He that gathereth in summer is a wise son. But he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.
New International Version
He who gathers crops in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.
New Living Translation Version
A wise youth harvests in the summer, but one who sleeps during harvest is a disgrace.
Sleep is naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, reduced muscle activity and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles during rapid eye movement sleep and reduced interactions with surroundings.
It is distinguished from wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, but more reactive than a coma or disorders of consciousness, with sleep displaying different, active brain patterns in every individual.
Children who are so bored that they sleep in the hay are missing the whole point of their lives. They need to be a part of the harvest. Jesus said vast fields are ripening all around us and are ready now for the harvest.
You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.
The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike!
You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true.
I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”
John 4:35-38 KJV
Meaning that many people all around us are ready to hear the Good News and put their trust in Christ. Young people don't need to wait until they are adults to do their part in bringing in the sheaves. While they are wasting time their friends at schools, universities, workplaces, on their sports team or in the neighbourhood are ripe for harvest. Part of a Christian mother’s duty is to help their children find out how God has gifted them so, they can join in the work as soon as possible.
Perhaps the child is gifted in managing the harvest i.e., organising events or working the equipment i.e., offering technical support or storing the sheaves in the barns i.e., helping disciplining new believers and getting them involved in church. They will all have something to offer. Everyone should know their children thoroughly so they can encourage their participation and find a field for them in which they can practice skills. So often parents and churches just entertain their Christians youth to keep them in the church. A better way of entertaining them is to employ them.
This will bring both parents and children joy as stated by Solomon in Proverbs 10:1
A wise child brings joy to a father; a foolish child brings grief to a mother.
Proverbs 10:1 KJV
The whole family can work together bringing in the sheaves, leading others to Christ, no one is too young or too old. When Paul wrote to Timothy:
He encouraged him that:
Hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor
2nd Timothy 2:6 NIV
In the same letter Paul advises:
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
2nd Timothy 4:5 NIV
In a previous letter Paul told Timothy:
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
1st Timothy 4:12 NLV
We must let our Timothy’s know that we believe in them. We should help them to unearth their harvesting gifts and discover how very important they are to God’s Kingdom. God forbid that we be found sleeping in the hay.
READ AND BE BLESSED
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