It would be easy to ignore this passage due to what seems an unlikely scenario. But that would be a foolish response. The power of this picture is this: There is no end to our capacity to create excuses to avoid needful action. Equally convicting is this realization: We can convince ourselves of nearly anything. The slothful man believed his irrational idea enough to speak it out loud. If you got up today and assumed your normal duties, you may conclude this passage is not applicable to you. But what about spiritual slothfulness? Are there sin issues in your life that you have done everything to avoid addressing? Two things seem to mark the slothful-fear and failure to take responsibility. God provides the answer to each of these needs. In simple terms, the answer to slothfulness is to trust and obey. God’s power is such that even if there is a lion in the street, He provides the grace to stop the lion’s mouth as we strive to obey His commands. Isn’t that good news? God is trustworthy. He will only command what He also will provide the grace and protection to accomplish. Excuses rob our souls of God’s grace and power. Obey Him today while looking to Him for protection and strength.