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).