Not To Be Neglected!

When growing up, if my parents gave me a task to do and I ignored or neglected it, I did not escape punishment of one form or another. It didn't matter that I might have done some other good things. If I failed to do what I had been specifically told to do, I was being disobedient.

When it comes to school, to ignore or neglect to do the work assigned, the class will be failed. If an employee ignores or neglects to fulfill the tasks the boss has given, they will probably soon find themselves unemployed.

When we look at the choices generally made in life, people tend to pay the most attention to the things that MATTER TO THEM MOST. If something does not matter, it is that which will most likely be ignored or neglected. On the other hand, what we REALLY CARE ABOUT is that to which we will give our attention and devote ourselves. Now, all of the above examples relate merely to this life. What about that which relates to salvation and eternal life?

The Hebrew writer stated. . .
"(2) For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, (3) HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE IF WE NEGLECT SUCH A GREAT SALVATION? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, (4) while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." ( Hebrews 2:2-4 ESV)

The Greek "ameleo" (translated "neglect") denotes "to be careless", "not to care", or "to make light of." Is that how we view Christ and our need for salvation? Unless we acknowledge the seriousness of our sin and the lostness that can result from it, we will not properly value the cost or need of the salvation we have in Christ.

The danger in neglecting must be seen in proportion to the greatness of the message and provision in Christ. It is called "great salvation" because it is eternal! It is complete and full justification and sanctification through the blood of Jesus. It is great because it could only be provided through the Son. Though it is offered to us at the cost of Jesus' life, we must recognize a sense of personal responsibility to come, accept, and live in accordance with it. To ignore or neglect it is to reveal we don't care. Since our salvation MATTERED ENOUGH TO GOD to send His Son and it MATTERED ENOUGH TO JESUS to pay the price for our sins, may it also MATTER ENOUGH TO US to reveal our sincerest appreciation by living to please Him.

Have a great day RIGHTLY ACKNOWLEDGING THE GREAT PROVISION ON OUR BEHALF!
Carl

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