Of all the sins which so easily beset us, spiritual laziness can become the most deadly and deadening. If allowed to permeate the soul, it results in spiritual slavery. There is a legend of the Greek citizen who voluntarily sold himself into slavery because he did not want to be encumbered by the problems of freedom. Many people prefer to spend their days free from mental and spiritual exertion. Tragically, such individuals become spiritual slaves. When freedom is relinquished, servitude results.

ISSACHAR

The venerable Jacob was nearing death. He called his twelve sons to his side, and there followed a classic deathbed scene. Jacob had not taken leave of his senses nor was he in tearful remorse. He listed his sons and likened each to some animal or object of nature: Ruben was as unstable…