Sloths are not cute animals and not particularly cuddly. They are noted for slowness of movement and for spending most of their lives hanging upside down in the trees of the tropical rain forests of South America and Central America. The sloth is so named because of its very low metabolism and deliberate movements; sloth being related to the word slow. This is an evolutionary adaptation to their low-energy diet of leaves, and to avoid detection by predatory hawks and cats who hunt by sight. Sloths are almost helpless on the ground but are able to swim.

  We have learned that Sloth is one of the seven deadly sins according to Christian tradition. They are Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, and Pride. If we are thinking specifically about slothfulness, there are characteristics of “people sloths.” Among these may be lazy, slow about doing things, dumb, useless, just hangs out, doesn’t take responsibility, just gets by without putting much effort into anything, rarely pays their own way, and more. You can make up your own list. Everybody knows someone who is slothful. It’s really a comfortable life.

  But, how can we be a productive SLOTH … especially in the world of faith?

  A scripture says to “Love without hypocrisy, hate things that are evil, cling to good things. Be kind to one another, giving preference to one another, don’t be slothful in your business, but be fervent in your spirit, serving the Lord. Rejoice in hope, patient in times of trouble, continuing steadfast in prayer. (Romans 12:9-12)

  S – Selfless – Opposite of selfish. Don’t think about “what’s in it for me,” but how can I help you. What can I do for you? “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)  

  L – Love – We should love with the pure love that God gives and not selfish love. Love others for who they are “Jesus said, Love others as I have loved you.” (John 13:34)

   0 – Obedience – Obey the instructions that God gave us. They are tough, but with His help, we can do pretty good. But, when we do fail to be obedient, we can always ask forgiveness and God will forgive us and let us get a “do-over.”

“When you are in distress, and all these things come upon you in the latter days, when you turn to the Lord your God and obey His voice.”  (Deuteronomy 4:30)

  T – Testimony – We should be willing to let others see our faith … to see God in us. That doesn’t mean to carry a big ole Bible around and preach on the streets, just let people see how you live. As you go through your daily life, does what you say and do reflect anything about God. Can others see it? Would they know you are a believer?

 “Therefore, I am not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.”  (2 Timothy 1:8)

  H – Humbleness – To be humble is to not think more highly of yourself than you should. We should also humble ourselves to God and be receptive to His leading. Meditation, prayer, reading some scriptures, staying in the fellowship here at the Bar Church and applying what you hear and learn.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

  So, these are some of the virtues of being a bad SLOTH or a good SLOTH. It’s our choice of which type of SLOTH you want to be. Choose wisely.

  And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.