Neglect Always Shows Up

Proverbs 24:30-34  “I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;  And, behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles were covering its face, and its stone wall was broken down.  Then I beheld and considered it well; I looked and received instruction.  Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep— So shall your poverty come as a robber, and your want as an armed man.”
 
This paints a vivid picture of a field overgrown, a vineyard neglected, walls broken down all because of a lack of attention;  Otherwise know as “neglect”.  
 
This is not a picture of rebellion, it’s a picture of neglect.   
 
Spiritual decline rarely happens suddenly, it happens subtly.  A missed day in the Word becomes several days.  Prayer becomes occasional and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit is dulled.  And before long, things that were one strong begin to weaken.  
 
Neglect always leaves evidence…. 
 
An overgrown field does. Not happen overnight, and neigh toes a depleted spiritual life.  But left unattended, both will eventually show signs of disorder, confusion, vulnerability and negativity in attitude and with others.  
 
There are times what we call “being overwhelmed” is actually the result of being underfed spiritually.
 
The enemy does not always need to attack aggressively – he can simply wait for neglect to do the work.  
 
But the good news is this:  What neglect has allowed to grow wild, diligence can restore!  Praise the Lord!  When we return to the Word, we begin clearing out what does not belong.  Strength returns, clarity returns and order is restored.  
 
Wisdom Statement:  “What we neglect will decline – But what we consistently feed will flourish.”