The Cost Of Neglecting Spiritual Legacy

THE COST OF NEGLECTING SPIRITUAL LEGACY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Judges 2:7-12

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 2:12-17, 2 Kings 20:12-19, Proverbs 29:15, Hosea 4:6, Lamentations 5:7

INTRODUCTION:

Spiritual legacy is not optional—it is vital for the survival and prosperity of future generations. When one generation fails to pass on the knowledge and fear of God, the next is left vulnerable to corruption, idolatry, and spiritual decay. Scripture warns us that neglecting this responsibility comes at a high price.

The story in Judges 2 reveals a tragic truth: a generation that witnessed God's mighty acts failed to teach the next. As a result, an entire generation arose that "knew not the Lord." The cost of spiritual neglect is not immediate, but when it manifests, it affects homes, nations, and even future revivals.

This message is a call to awaken from spiritual complacency and take seriously our mandate to build and transfer a godly heritage that lasts beyond our lifetime.

1. SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE GROWS WHERE LEGACY IS IGNORED

When we fail to teach and live out God's truth, ignorance becomes the inheritance.

a) A Generation Rises Without Knowledge of God (Judges 2:10)

They do not fear God because they were never taught to.

b) God’s Mighty Works Are Forgotten (Psalm 78:5–11)

What is not remembered will not be honoured or valued.

c) Spiritual Illiteracy Becomes the Norm (Hosea 4:6)

Lack of knowledge leads to destruction.

d) The Church Becomes a Social Institution (2 Timothy 3:5)

When legacy is lost, form replaces power.

Biblical Example: The generation after Joshua quickly abandoned God and turned to idols because they lacked a spiritual foundation.

2. MORAL DECAY AND COMPROMISE SET IN

Neglecting spiritual legacy opens the door for sin and rebellion to flourish.

a) Godless Values Become Acceptable (Romans 1:28–32)

Without the truth, lies are embraced as truth.

b) Children Rebel Because They Are Not Discipled (Proverbs 29:15)

Correction is absent when God’s standard is unknown.

c) Compromise Becomes a Lifestyle (Revelation 2:20)

Lack of conviction leads to tolerance of sin.

d) Sin Is Celebrated Instead of Repented From (Isaiah 5:20)

Woe comes when evil is called good and good evil.

Biblical Example: Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phinehas, desecrated the priesthood because their father failed to correct and disciple them.

3. FUTURE GENERATIONS BEAR THE BURDEN OF OUR NEGLECT

Spiritual negligence today becomes generational affliction tomorrow.

a) Curses and Cycles Are Repeated (Lamentations 5:7)

What is not confronted is often inherited.

b) Spiritual Opportunities Are Lost (Hebrews 12:16–17)

Some losses may never be recovered.

c) A Heritage of Faith Is Replaced by Secularism (Psalm 11:3)

When foundations are destroyed, society crumbles.

d) There Is a Delay in Kingdom Advancement (Matthew 23:13)

Neglecting discipleship hinders God's purpose in the earth.

Biblical Example: Hezekiah showed Babylon all his treasures and said, “At least there will be peace in my lifetime,” ignoring the devastation that would come upon his descendants (2 Kings 20:16–19).

4. GOD HOLDS US ACCOUNTABLE FOR WHAT WE PASS ON

Every generation is a steward of divine truth, and God expects us to pass it on.

a) We Are Custodians of the Gospel (2 Timothy 1:14)

We must guard and transmit the deposit of truth.

b) Parents Are God’s Appointed Teachers (Deuteronomy 6:6–9)

Teaching God’s word is not just a church duty—it begins at home.

c) Failure to Build Disciples Incurs Divine Judgment (Ezekiel 33:7–9)

Watchmen who don’t warn are held accountable.

d) The Reward of Legacy Is Reserved for the Faithful (2 Timothy 4:7–8)

Only those who endure and teach others will be crowned.

Biblical Example: Paul instructed Timothy to commit the truth to faithful men who will teach others also, showing the power of sustained legacy.

CONCLUSION:

The price of neglecting spiritual legacy is too high. Souls are lost, destinies derailed, and God's purposes delayed. We cannot afford to live casually and hope the next generation will "find their way." They need godly models, mentors, and messages that lead them to Christ.

Today, make up your mind not to be a link that breaks the chain of righteousness. Strengthen the spiritual foundation of your family, your ministry, and your community. Teach, pray, disciple, and impart—because eternity will reveal the fruit of your investment.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me not to fail in passing on a godly heritage.

2. Every spiritual value I’ve neglected, restore in my life and family.

3. Let my children and spiritual sons not depart from the truth.

4. Lord, give me wisdom to raise a generation that fears You.

5. I break every negative cycle that wants to pass through my bloodline.

6. Let my life become a channel of righteousness to generations.

7. Raise me as a spiritual voice to impact future leaders.

8. Father, help me to disciple others with patience and truth.

9. Deliver my lineage from inherited ignorance and rebellion.

10. Lord, use me to restore broken foundations in this generation.