THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

THE DANGER OF NEGLECTING YOUR SPIRITUAL LIFE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Hebrews 2:1-3

Supporting Texts: 1 Timothy 4:14-16, Revelation 2:4-5, Proverbs 4:23, 2 Peter 1:5-10, Luke 21:34-36

INTRODUCTION:
Many believers start their spiritual journey with great passion, discipline, and fervency. They are committed to prayer, studying God’s Word, fellowshipping with other believers, and walking in holiness. However, over time, distractions, disappointments, and worldly pursuits begin to take precedence, and spiritual disciplines are slowly neglected. This neglect, though gradual, is very dangerous and can lead to spiritual decay.

Neglecting one’s spiritual life does not always happen with loud declarations or dramatic events—it often creeps in quietly. The moment we stop feeding our spiritual man, we begin to starve and weaken it. When spiritual laziness takes hold, it becomes difficult to discern God’s voice or respond to His leading, and one becomes vulnerable to temptations and satanic attacks.

Spiritual negligence can ultimately result in backsliding and separation from God. It’s important to identify the warning signs early and return to fervent devotion before it's too late. Let us examine the dangers of spiritual neglect and how to remain spiritually alive and alert.

1. SPIRITUAL DECLINE LEADS TO HARDNESS OF HEART
Spiritual decline often begins when we ignore the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The more we neglect God's Word and prayer, the more hardened our hearts become toward sin and God's voice.

a) Conviction is silenced
When we stop listening to God through His Word and prayer, our conscience becomes dull (Ephesians 4:18-19).

b) Sin becomes acceptable
What once troubled our hearts begins to feel normal. Compromise creeps in subtly (Hebrews 3:13).

c) Sensitivity to God fades
Spiritual dullness makes us unresponsive to the leading and warnings of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14).

d) Discipline disappears
Regular spiritual disciplines are abandoned for the pursuit of comfort and worldly pleasure (1 Corinthians 9:27).

Biblical Example: Samson allowed himself to drift from God by continually neglecting God's commands and his consecration. He lost spiritual sensitivity until he did not even know the Spirit had left him (Judges 16:20).

2. NEGLECT OPENS DOORS FOR DEMONIC ATTACKS
The enemy targets spiritually weak people because they are easy to tempt, confuse, and destroy. Spiritual strength is your defence.

a) Satan looks for spiritual loopholes
When a believer is spiritually cold, Satan takes advantage (1 Peter 5:8).

b) Weak prayer life equals weak defence
A prayerless Christian is powerless and exposed (Matthew 26:41).

c) Lack of discernment invites deception
Without spiritual growth, false doctrines and spiritual manipulation can easily creep in (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

d) Unoccupied hearts become vulnerable
When the soul is not filled with God, it can be filled with other things (Luke 11:24-26).

Biblical Example: King Saul started well but gradually abandoned God's presence and fell into the trap of jealousy, pride, and ultimately consulted a witch, leading to his downfall (1 Samuel 28:7).

3. LOSS OF DIVINE FELLOWSHIP AND FAVOUR
God desires intimacy with His children, but He doesn’t force Himself on anyone. Neglect pushes God away.

a) God's presence departs
Without daily fellowship, the sense of God’s nearness fades (Psalm 51:11).

b) Spiritual gifts lie dormant
When unused or neglected, spiritual gifts become ineffective (2 Timothy 1:6).

c) Divine guidance ceases
A believer who does not commune with God will lack direction (Proverbs 3:5-6).

d) Joy of salvation fades
Spiritual dryness results in a joyless, routine, and religious life (Psalm 51:12).

Biblical Example: The Church in Laodicea thought they were rich and full but had become spiritually poor, blind, and naked without realising it. Jesus stood outside, knocking to be let back in (Revelation 3:14-20).

4. STAGNATION AND LACK OF SPIRITUAL FRUITFULNESS
A spiritually neglected life becomes stagnant and unproductive in God’s kingdom.

a) Fruitlessness in character
There’s no growth in love, patience, or holiness (Galatians 5:22-23).

b) No passion for soul winning
Evangelism and burden for the lost disappears (Matthew 28:19-20).

c) Stunted spiritual growth
Like a tree that stops growing, spiritual growth halts (Hebrews 5:12-13).

d) Spiritual dryness leads to discouragement
When there’s no spiritual vitality, frustration and dissatisfaction take over (Jeremiah 17:5-6).

Biblical Example: The barren fig tree had leaves but bore no fruit. Jesus cursed it as a warning to all unfruitful lives (Mark 11:13-14).

5. INCREASED RISK OF ETERNAL LOSS
Ultimately, continued spiritual neglect can end in eternal destruction if not repented of.

a) Slipping away from salvation
Drifting leads away from Christ and into danger (Hebrews 2:1-3).

b) Risk of backsliding
Those who neglect their walk can return to their old sins (2 Peter 2:20-22).

c) Heaven is not automatic
Neglecting one’s spiritual life can disqualify a person from eternal rest (Matthew 25:1-13).

d) Accountability before God
God will hold each person accountable for their spiritual life (Romans 14:12).

Biblical Example: Demas, once a co-labourer with Paul, forsook the faith because he loved the present world (2 Timothy 4:10).

CONCLUSION:
Neglecting your spiritual life is like starving your inner man. It starts slowly but leads to great spiritual consequences. The enemy exploits spiritual laziness and targets unguarded hearts. Revival begins when we recognise the need to return to our first love and spiritual disciplines.

Today is the day to rise again. God is calling you back to the place of prayer, study, fellowship, obedience, and consecration. You cannot afford to neglect your soul; it is the most valuable part of you.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, rekindle my passion for You.
2. Father, deliver me from every spirit of spiritual laziness.
3. Lord, restore my spiritual disciplines of prayer and the Word.
4. I refuse to become a prey to the enemy due to neglect.
5. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, Lord.
6. Lord, open my eyes to the areas I have neglected spiritually.
7. Fill me afresh with Your Spirit, O God.
8. Let my love for You grow deeper daily.
9. Father, help me to be spiritually fruitful in every season.
10. I receive grace to remain spiritually awake and alert.

GOD'S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will not dry up spiritually!
2. The Lord shall revive every weak area of your walk with Him.
3. Your spiritual fire shall burn brighter.
4. You shall not fall into the trap of spiritual negligence.
5. The Lord will restore all you have lost due to spiritual decline.
6. God shall make you a vessel of honour in His hands.
7. Every plan of the enemy against your soul is destroyed.
8. You shall hunger and thirst for righteousness.
9. Your lamp shall not go out in the day of darkness.
10. You shall finish your race strong and be rewarded in eternity!