Sloth: The Case of Israel

Series Title: The Seven Deadly SinsSeries Summary: The Seven Deadly Sins is a Lenten sermon series exploring the ancient Christian wisdom of how certain sins, or vices, can deform us as human beings. These habits or character traits expose the ways in which we turn away from God and others through our disordered desires. Through this series, we will consider what Scripture has to teach us about each sin/vice: Pride, Envy, Anger, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust. We want to see how these seven sins appear in our own hearts and in our culture and how we can work against them through spiritual practices that cultivate a life of discipleship to Jesus. Above all, we are inviting Jesus to show us his forgiveness and mercy as he transforms us.Passages: Numbers 13:21-14:11Speaker: Omar OrtizIn this sermon, we consider sloth. Sloth, or acedia, is not just laziness but a spiritual resistance to loving and following God wholeheartedly. Like Israel in the wilderness, we can grow apathetic when faced with difficulty, distraction, or disappointment, settling for a mediocre faith instead of persevering in trust and obedience. However, through God’s power, promises, and presence, we are called to resist sloth and pursue "a long obedience in the same direction," finding true joy and fulfillment in Christ.⁠⁠Sermon Reflection Guide