That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6: 12)

The story is told of a lazy boy who went with his mother and aunt on a blueberry picking hike into the woods. He carried the smallest pail possible. While the others worked hard at picking berries, he lolled about, chasing a butterfly and playing hide and seek with a squirrel. Soon it was approaching time to leave. In a panic, the young lad filled his pail mostly with moss and then topped it off with a thin layer of berries, so that the pail looked full. His mother and aunt commended him highly for his effort.

The next morning his mother baked pies, and she made a special “saucer-sized” pie just for the boy. He could hardly wait for it to cool. Blueberry pie was his favorite! He could see the plum berries oozing through a slit in the crust, and his mouth watered in anticipation. However, as he sank his fork into the flaky crust, he found...mostly moss!

Many people want to experience the fullness of God’s promises in their lives, but they are unwilling to do the work that goes along with most of the Bible’s promises. Most of God’s promises are if-then statements...if we do one thing, God will do another. Our part nearly always comes first!

Holy Creator, give us the spiritual incentive to do the work You ask of us. May we not fall pray to spiritual laziness and miss out on Your promises!