Samson - Example of a person who became casual. Judges 13. God had determined to use Samson to set the nation of Israel free (v. 5). Samson became casual in his vow to God (v. 8-9, 16:1). God withdrew his blessing from Samson (16:20). Samson had become so casual in his relationship with the Lord that he did not even know the Lord’s spirit had left him (16:20).

Queen of England - The queen of England often visits Bob Morrow Castle. On one occasion when she was walking by herself, it started to rain. She rushed to the shelter of the nearest cottage. A lady came to the door who was really ticked off that someone would bother her at that time in the morning. She opened the door a few inches and barked, “What do you want?”
     The queen didn’t introduce herself. She merely asked, “May I borrow an umbrella?”
     “Just a minute,” grumbled the woman. She slammed the door, was gone for a moment, and returned bringing the rattiest umbrella she could find, one with broken ribs and small holes. She pushed it through the door and said, “Here.” The queen of England thanked her and went on her way with the ragged umbrella.
     The next morning, the queen’s full escort, dressed in full uniform, pulled up in front of the cottage. One of the escorts knocked on the door and returned the umbrella to the woman saying, “Madam, the Queen of England thanks you.” As he walked away he heard her mutter, “If I’d only known, I’d have given her my best.”
(Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks from Youth Specialties. Copyright 1995 by Youth Specialties.)