The Dangers of Drifting: Negligence in the Christian Life
A subtle yet perilous reality that can creep into our lives: spiritual negligence. It is not always a dramatic act of rebellion, but a slow, insidious drift away from the things that truly matter. Let us examine the scriptures and understand the consequences of neglecting our walk with God.
1. Spiritual Negligence Distances Us from God: The Chasm of Indifference
James 4:8 warns, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” When we neglect our fellowship with God, we distance ourselves from Him. Spiritual negligence creates a chasm, a gap of indifference that separates us from His presence. We cannot expect to remain close to God if we neglect the means of grace.
2. Neglecting Prayer Weakens Us Spiritually: Vulnerable to Temptation
Matthew 26:41 cautions, “Watch and pray, so that you will not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” If we do not pray, we will be vulnerable to temptations. Prayer is our lifeline, our connection to God’s strength. Neglecting it leaves us weak and exposed to the enemy’s attacks.
How Can We Neglect The House Of God? By Not Praying For It
- Philippians 1:4, NKJV "always in every prayer of mine…”
- Colossians 1:3, NKJV "We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,…”
- 1 Thessalonians 1:2, NKJV "We give thanks to God always for you all,…”
- James 5:16, NKJV "Confess your trespasses to one another,…”
3. Neglect in Reading the Word Leads to Lack of Knowledge: Spiritual Starvation
Hosea 4:6 laments, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” If we do not study the Word, we become spiritually weak and deceived. The scriptures are our spiritual food, our source of truth and guidance. Neglecting them leads to spiritual malnutrition and vulnerability to false teachings.
4. Neglect of Christian Service Hinders Church Growth: Inactive Members
1 Corinthians 15:58 exhorts, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” Every Christian has a mission. We must not neglect it. Neglecting our service hinders the growth of the church and robs us of the joy of participating in God’s work.
5. Neglect of Faith Leads Us to Spiritual Lukewarmness: God’s Rejection
Revelation 3:16 warns, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.” God rejects lukewarm faith and lack of commitment. Spiritual negligence leads to a state of apathy, where we are neither fully committed nor completely indifferent. God desires passionate devotion, not lukewarm complacency.
6. Neglecting Fellowship Weakens the Body of Christ: Isolated Members
Hebrews 10:25 instructs, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another.” We need to be united and active in the church. Neglecting fellowship weakens the body of Christ, isolating us from the support and encouragement we need.
7. Neglecting Tithes and Offerings Hinders God's Blessings: Unfaithfulness in Giving
Malachi 3:8 questions, “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me, and you say, ‘How have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.’” Faithfulness in giving demonstrates our commitment to God. Neglecting our tithes and offerings hinders God’s blessings and reveals a lack of trust in His provision.
8. Neglect of Commitments Leads to Spiritual Hypocrisy: Empty Promises
Matthew 15:8 reveals, “These people draw near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.” We need to live what we preach and promise to God. Neglecting our commitments leads to hypocrisy, where our words do not align with our actions.
9. Neglecting to Be Vigilant Opens Space for the Enemy: Spiritual Warfare
1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” If we are not careful, the enemy will find opportunities to act. Spiritual negligence leaves us vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks, as we become complacent and unguarded.
10. Neglect of Salvation Brings Eternal Condemnation: The Ultimate Neglect
Hebrews 2:3 asks, “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation?” The greatest neglect of all is to reject or abandon salvation in Christ. Neglecting the gift of salvation has eternal consequences, separating us from God forever.
- Preaching on Excuses: Moses and God's Sufficiency
- Preaching on Meekness, a Christian Virtue
- Preaching on miracle of multiplication of the five loaves and two fish
Conclusion
Spiritual negligence is a subtle but deadly enemy. Let us heed the warnings of scripture and cultivate a life of vigilance, devotion, and active engagement with God. May we draw near to Him, that He may draw near to us. Amen.
