If we look at the life of great devotees, we will see that Krishna always helps them. Why? Because they are always engaged in practical devotional service of Krishna.
Krishna does not like lazy devotees. His devotees know this, so they work tremendously hard. You will never see sincere devotees wasting their time watching movies, browsing the internet or busy gossiping.
Two Examples
In the Mahabharat war we see Arjuna fighting vigorously although Krishna was in front driving his chariot. He could have easily become lackadaisical thinking that the Supreme Lord is here so what is the use of me fighting hard.
When he had taken a vow to kill Jayadratha who was instrumental in killing his son Abhimanya duplicitously then since morning till evening, he was trying hard to achieve his goal. At the end of the day, Krishna was pleased with Arjuna’s efforts and finally he intervened and helped him to kill Jayadratha.
We see how Prabhupada was trying his best to spread Krishna Conscious movement throughout the world. He would get up in the middle of the night to write books for hours when everyone was sleeping. Despite failing health, he would travel from one part of the world to another trying to open temples and to preach the message of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
We can confidently say that Prabhupada attained great success in his mission. Today millions of people all over the world have become devotees of Krishna, it became possible only because of Prabhupada.
These great devotees teach us how we should not be lazy in our life. In whatever circumstances we are in we should practice devotional life and try our best to serve the Supreme Lord.
“Whether one is without desire [the condition of the devotees], or is desirous of all fruitive results, or is after liberation, one should with all efforts try to worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead for complete perfection, culminating in Krishna consciousness”. Srimad – Bhagavatam 2.3.10.
Our genuine efforts will please the Lord
Practicing devotional life does not mean that we have to do things perfectly. We just need to put in our best efforts. Lord Rama was pleased with the efforts of the tiny squirrel who was helping the monkey warriors during the construction of the bridge.
Lord will be pleased too if our efforts are genuine. While practicing devotion to Krishna with determination, we should also do practical service for him – like going out for distributing books like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, inviting people to temple during festivals, organizing programs at home for family members and neighbours.
We can prepare prasadam and distribute to people. Temple needs devotees for various services, we can go to temple and help the devotees there. If going to temple every day is not possible then we should do it at least once a week as per our convenience.
We should give up lethargy and smartly utilize each moment of our life to get closer to Krishna. And when Krishna will see our sincere efforts then he will be pleased, and he will sure help us excel in our devotional endeavour. Krishna always helps his sincere devotees. Srila Prabhupada says, “If anyone follows the principles with great determination, the Lord will surely help, for God helps those who help themselves.” Bhagavad – Gita 6.24 Purport
Three Reflections
- You will never see sincere devotees wasting their time watching movies, browsing the internet or busy gossiping.
- Practicing devotional life does not mean that we have to do things perfectly. We just need to put in our best efforts.
- “If anyone follows the principles with great determination, the Lord will surely help, for God helps those who help themselves.” Srila Prabhupada
Ask Yourself?
- Am I lazy or hard working?
Action Item
- Choose a service which you like the most – like book distribution, preaching, prasadam distribution etc- and dedicate at least 2 hours per week to do that service for Krishna.
