Slugs are the bane of many gardens. At night, they’ll ooze their way through your plants, chewing off leaves and fruit. They’re sneaky little gastropods, say extermination experts: baiting them, trapping them, even sending in lizards and chickens might help. Still, slugs won’t go away. They can only be managed.

We desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end.

Hebrews 6:11

The writer of Hebrews cautions that you not become sluggish, but earnestly imitate faith’s heroes. There are ways to avoid becoming a spiritual slug. Make a daily habit of spending time in the Bible – diligently read, study, and journal your thoughts to expand your knowledge of God and the certainty of His promises. Then pray. Your prayers are a sweet aroma to the Lord (Psalm 141:2). Be ready also to give an answer to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that you have (I Peter 3:15).

Pray today for the leaders in your church working to manage the spiritual slugs in the midst. Include in your prayers Christian members of the Obama Administration, Congress and the judiciary who know the Lord to develop the same earnestness and share their hope.

Recommended Reading: Hebrews 6:1-12