Neglect

This is not a positive word or trait. Neglect is something we fail to do. Most of the time we neglect things that don’t matter much to us. I’ve learned that if I neglect the “check engine light” on my vehicles, there could be something serious happen. Neglect usually leads to an unnecessary expense either in managing material possessions or relationships as well.

If I neglect my family, they suffer and I suffer. If I neglect my work, I suffer and the people I’m working for suffer. If I neglect my relationship with the Lord, I suffer and His heart hurts too. I see neglect has something that can enter my life very slowly and with subtleness. The write of Hebrews reminds us to pay attention. Check this out…

1 For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away. ² For if the message spoken through angels was legally binding and every transgression and disobedience received a just punishment,³ how will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation had its beginning when it was spoken of by the Lord, and it was confirmed to us by those who heard him. ⁴ At the same time, God also testified by signs and wonders, various miracles, and distributions of gifts from the Holy Spirit according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4 CSB)

Paying attention means I must give my attention to the important things in my life. I’ve noticed that there are urgent things that sometimes distract my attention from the important. This is a crucial conversation that I need to have with myself. I must bring order and structure to my private world in order to pay close attention to the things in my life that matter most. In the past I’ve caught myself paying too close attention to the things that I can replace while ignoring the things that I can’t replace. My family is worthy of my attention because they are the most valuable relationships in my life. My church family helps me grow and know the Lord – they are very valuable to me. My colleagues at work, along with my clients and customers are very important to my life and work.

I must pay close attention to the order of my life and the internal structure. I simply can’t ignore or neglect my faith and expect it to grow. I must keep seeking the Lord’s heart through His Word. I must keep reading and growing my heart to serve others. I must keep investing time into my family, not neglecting to love and serve them. I must pay attention to the needs and dreams of my clients and customers to help them get the things that they want.

This word neglect reminded me that I can’t get complacent and lazy. I must be alert and attentive to the priorities in my life as well as the needs of others. I have been blessed with salvation and hope of eternal life and I take that very seriously. Paying attention to the Lord deepens my resolve to serve Him and serve others.

Pressing On!

Dwayne