The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”

~Proverbs 26:13 NLT

I remember when I first encountered 7-Elevens and how they changed my gas-station world.

Prior to their appearance, my young world in the Deep South was filled with gas stations, not convenience stores. In fact, I had no idea what a convenience store was. Gas stations existed for refueling, having the oil checked, having the windshield cleaned, having the tire pressure checked, and, if needed, having mechanical work done.

And none of the above, especially the mechanical work, did the person buying the fuel perform. A long hose extended over the ground from the attendant’s office to the gas tanks. When a customer pulled up and ran over the hose, a bell rang inside the building, alerting the attendant that a customer needed service.

Oil cans and maps decorated the island between the gas tanks. Back then, cars often burned oil and needed replenishing. Having the cans at the ready was convenient. And no GPS existed, nor did Smartphones, so maps of various states for purchase came in handy for travelers.

The conveniences at the old gas stations only included restrooms, crackers, chips, chewing gum, candy, and gum—most of which were nicely situated behind the attendant’s desk and in much smaller quantities than today’s convenience store’s setup. The drink machine often rested just outside the front door.

Nor did these gas stations stay open all hours of the night, which is another thing that 7-Eleven stores changed. As the name implies, the 7-Elevens opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 11 p.m. In my Southern world of Blue Laws, this was an amazing change. And they offered many conveniences, including allowing customers to pump their own gas rather than having an attendant do it. Inside was a world of junk food, snacks, sodas, alcohol, travel needs, and fast food.

Many other store brands have not expanded the convenience brought by 7-Elevens. Gone are the days of someone pumping our gas, checking our oil, washing our windshields, checking our tire pressure, and adding needed fluids.

When life gets too convenient, falling into the trap of laziness becomes easy, and it can include procrastination. Although I’m sure it wasn’t original to him, Dad always said, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

And on one of the Andy Griffith shows, Opie’s hobo friend said when faced with work he didn’t want to do, “It’s the most perfect day to start any job: tomorrow. Most marvelous day that was ever invented. Why, there’s absolutely nothing a man can’t do . . . tomorrow” (Opie’s Hobo Friend).

Technological advances certainly make our lives easier, but if we don’t treat our devices with respect and use them to work more diligently or efficiently, our devices can lure us into laziness. We should use technology—especially in our AI world—as a tool, not a substitute for using our God-given talents and gifts.

In Solomon’s world, the lazy man used the “There’s a lion outside” excuse to get out of work. Our world offers many similar excuses.

Instead, the Bible instructs us to do all we do for the glory of God and as if we were working for God. After all, we are.

At whatever you work, do your best, not less. Use technological advances to work smart but work hard. God praises diligence.

Don’t let convenience lead you to laziness.

Father, may I do everything to the best of my ability and for Your glory.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2026: When Life Gets Too Convenient: Martin Wiles: All Rights Reserved.