Romans 12:11

“Not slothful in business, etc..] Meaning not worldly business, or the affairs of life; though slothfulness in this respect is scandalous to human nature, and especially in persons under a profession of religion; men should diligently pursue their lawful callings for the support of themselves and families, and the interest of Christ: but spiritual business, the affairs of piety and religion, the service of God, private and public, to which we should not be backward, nor slothful in the performance of; such as preaching, hearing, reading, praying, and other ordinances of God; yea, we should be ready and forward to every good work, and particularly, and which may be here greatly designed,…”

“not slothful in business--The word rendered "business" means "zeal," "diligence," "purpose"; denoting the energy of action. serving the Lord--that is, the Lord Jesus (see Eph 6:5-8). Another reading--"serving the time," or "the occasion"--which differs in form but very slightly from the received reading, has been adopted by good critics [LUTHER, OLSHAUSEN, FRITZSCHE, MEYER]. But as manuscript authority is decidedly against it, so is internal evidence; and comparatively few favor it. Nor is the sense which it yields a very Christian one.”

“Not slothful - The word rendered “slothful” refers to those who are slow, idle, destitute of promptness of mind and activity; compare Matthew 25:16. In business - τῇ σπουδῇ tē spoudē. This is the same word which in Romans 12:8 is rendered “diligence.” It properly denotes haste, intensity, ardor of mind; and hence, also it denotes industry, labor. The direction means that we should be diligently occupied in our proper employment. It does not refer to any particular occupation, but is used in general sense to denote all the labor which we may have to do; or is a direction to be faithful and industrious in the discharge of all our appropriate duties; compare Ecclesiastes 9:10. The…”

“Whatsoever ye do, do it with your might. In every business diligently and fervently serving the Lord - Doing all to God, not to man. Romans 12:12”

“12:11 but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically: As Christians, we are to be passionate about our faith and eager to fulfill our ministry to others within the church.”

“slothful: Exo 5:17; Pro 6:6-9, Pro 10:26, Pro 13:4, Pro 18:9, Pro 22:29, Pro 24:30-34, Pro 26:13-16; Ecc 9:10; Isa 56:10; Mat 25:26; Act 20:34, Act 20:35; Eph 4:28; Th1 4:11, Th1 4:12; Th2 3:6-12; Ti1 5:13; Heb 6:10, Heb 6:11 fervent: Mat 24:12; Act 18:25; Col 4:12, Col 4:13; Jam 5:16; Pe1 1:22, Pe1 4:8; Rev 2:4; Rev 3:15, Rev 3:16 serving: Co1 7:22; Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-24, Col 4:1; Tit 2:9, Tit 2:10; Heb 12:28 Romans 12:12”