The definition of the word neglect: "To fail to carry out an expected or required action through carelessness or by intention. In today's article I would like to remind us of the dangers of neglect in our spiritual lives.

It is normally expected that an individual who assumes a responsibility is able to fulfill it. In today's world, this is not the case. Every day we hear of cases of neglect that prove this isn't true. Whatever we attempt to do, we must do it with all of our being (Ecclesiastes 9:10). When we accept a responsibility (especially in the Lord's Kingdom), we must see it to completion and "not look back" as Christ stated in Luke 9:62. Our neglectful attitude will cause us to be "cast out" (Matthew 25:14-30). The Bible forbids slothfulness (Hebrews 6:12) and negligence (2 Chronicles 29:11).

Because of neglect, man soon forgets God. The Lord through Jeremiah said, "Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number." The Lord tells Israel because of their disobedience, "Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness" (Jeremiah 13:24). When we neglect Bible study, we neglecting God's command to "study" His Word (2 Timothy 2:15) and as a result we will forget what we have learned. Neglect prevents spiritual growth (Hebrews 5:12-13; 1 Peter 2:2). Paul told the Corinthians, "I have fed you with milk and not meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able" (1 Corinthians 3:2).Neglect will cause us to lose our soul. In Hebrews 2:2-3, this point is emphasized, "For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast; and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation...."

Individuals become negligent because: (1) They no longer are interested in the task at hand (their zeal is gone); (2) They become "doubleminded" (James 1:8; James 4:8) - Their heart is on something else more important (Matthew 6:21); (3) Laziness and indifference: "I will do the Lord's work tomorrow"; (4) They may not have enough training for completing the required task; (5) They may have a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7); (6) They may not be aware of the importance of the task; (7) A lack of self-discipline; (8) A failure to pray for God's wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-6; James 1:2-5).

We can overcome negligence by: (1) Performing a personal examination of our heart in all areas of our life (Psalm 26:2; 1 Corinthians 11:28; 2 Corinthians 13:5); (2) Writing down a specific plan of action for overcoming neglect; (3) Praying to the Father for strength and wisdom to overcome the problem of neglect; (4) Making ourselves do it! Action is the key to victory!; (5) Renewing our minds and rededicating our lives every day (Ephesians 4:23-24); (6) Spending time daily meditating in God's Word (Psalm 1:2; Psalm 119:15,23,48); (7) Associating with "doers of the word" ( James 1:22; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9; Hebrews 13:7) in order to receive encouragement from faithful brethren.

Eric