By: Mike Riley
A querist asks, “What do you consider a hindrance to spiritual growth?” One hindrance to spiritual growth would have to be the problem of neglect (see Hebrews 2:3). It’s been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and there’s more truth to that saying than we might realize. Because of the fast pace many of us experience in today’s society, it’s very easy to become careless in leaving undone the proper study of God’s word, praying in behalf of others, visiting the sick, or any number of other spiritual priorities that might be considered. In Hebrews 2:3, the Hebrew writer says that if no “transgression and disobedience” went by unaccounted for under the Mosaic law delivered by angels; and since the Lord’s message deserves more respect than the message of angels, what hope is there for those of us who would neglect “so great salvation” under the New Testament law of Christ? To ask the question is to answer it.
Note that the Hebrew writer doesn’t say “if we reject” but “if we neglect”. The Greek word (“ameleo“) also appears in Matthew 22:5 KJV, where the guests “made light of” their invitation to come to the marriage feast of the king’s son. For men to ignore their sole means of deliverance from sin (salvation) is to incur God’s judgment (Matthew 22:7)
We can certainly “make light of” our salvation as well through an attitude of neglect. This problem has prompted the inclusion of the following article entitled, “Consequences Of Neglect” which has helped this writer to look at several scriptural solutions, and hopefully will help others in combating this potentially deadly sin.