One of the so-called seven deadly sins is slothfulness, the neglect to take care of something that one should do. It has been referred to as the failure to employ or make use of one's talents and gifts. It is a failure of heart and focus to do what one needs to do.

Jesus tells a story about ten virgins, five of who were wise (prudent) and five of who were foolish. They were all waiting to participate in a wedding feast. The bridegroom was late so the ladies had to make preparation for the late arrival. Five did so and five did not do so. When the bridegroom came, the five wise virgins were ready, but the five foolish virgins, having done nothing to prepare, were not allowed to enter into the feast. They had been slothful and unalert. They missed out on the celebration because they had refused to prepare themselves. They had no one to blame but themselves.

Jesus uses His story to tell His disciples that they needed to be on the alert because they really didn’t know, what He called, “the day nor the hour” (Matt. 25:13); and, neither do we. Jesus, the Bridegroom may return today before sundown or He may tarry a thousand years. We don’t know. What we do know is that between this moment and that moment we must live alertly, doing with our lives what it means to know the Bridegroom and be ready for the feast He is giving.

The apostle Paul speaks of how “the Lord will come just like a thief in the night” (I Thes. 5:2). His coming will catch us off guard, but it doesn’t have to catch us unaware.

Jesus wants His people to be ready at all times, ready to hear Him say, “I know you” (see Matt. 25:11-12).