Neglect

Over the past couple of weeks I have been very busy with various projects and recently realized that I had been neglecting my girl Tanner (an Italian Mastiff) and likely my husband – but the effect of the neglect on Tanner has been more pronounced.

Neglect is defined as failing to give attention or to leave undone/unattended.
Tanner is wonderful and very obedient.  She is generally a happy dog that gives love unconditionally.  Before I was consumed with my projects, I had been walking her, spending time with her in the backyard, and just enjoying her company.  The last couple of days she has been following me everywhere I go; she has been whining; she has been chewing on the carpet; she has seemed unsure of herself; she has been constantly putting her paw on my leg seeking attention.  Basically, she has been acting outside of her normal character.

This morning, I was wondering why she has been behaving so differently, and it hit as I looked in her big sad eyes.  Her change in behavior is a direct result of my lack of attention (neglect) to her.  She is confused about why the routine had changed and is trying to figure out her role and place in the new routine.

This started me thinking about how differently Christians behave when they neglect their relationship with God!  What happens when we neglect our prayer life, fellow-shipping, worship service, studying the word, and doing good works?  Do we begin to whine, to become unsure of ourselves?  Do we become destructive, do we wander aimlessly seeking attention?  Do we act outside of ourselves?  I think the clear and resounding answer is Yes!

I have a duty and responsibility to nurture and to take care of Tanner, because I chose her to be in my life, and I must remember that there is a consequence when I neglect that duty.
Christians have a duty (honor) and responsibility to nurture and to take care their relationship with God, because we chose to be “born again,” and to rise in newness with Him.  We must remember that there is a consequence when that duty is neglected.
I know that when I go back to nurturing Tanner, she will become centered, relaxed, and confident.  She will return to being herself.  In the exact same way, when Christians nurture their relationship with God, we become centered, relaxed, and confident.
Some relevant scripture includes:

• Philippians 1:6 “Knowing confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

• Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

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• Philippians 4:13 “ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

• Proverbs 3:23 “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.”

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• I Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

Glory To God For All That He Has Done
Blessings – Janice