“NEGLECT”

No matter where it occurs, neglect results in damage, and possible ruin. This is especially true of spiritual neglect. We recognize when a fellow saint is struggling. Yet we delay. While we may pray for the brother, is prayer ‘alone’ fulfilling our stewardship? Prayer is very important, make no mistake about it. But it is not a substitute for obedience. When you know a brother’s faith wavering, delay could very well result in death.  But not just for the weak brother…your soul may very well suffer death.  Gal. 6 demands involvement to restore, CONSIDERING YOURSELF. In times like this, the hearts of brethren are made known to one another.

The words from a familiar hymn, “there’s danger and death in delay…why d0 you wait dear brother”, certainly apply here. Unity within a local church doesn’t exist by prayer alone. It is maintained as brethren address the needs of one another. It was exemplified in Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-35; and 6:1-7 in benevolence. It was exemplified when the Corinthian brothers acted in the restoration of a brother involved in fornication (2 Cor. 7:8-11).  Finally, it was exemplified by the Philippians in their willing support of the gospel (Phil. 1:5, 7; 4:15).

 

When brethren neglect to act in these three areas, it is because of fear. Obedience will never occur from the faint of heart. This is why spiritual growth must be constantly monitored by shepherds. While it is an individual responsibility, when a brother is overtaken, and brethren neglect their responsibility, danger and death result.

May love of the brethren continue (Heb. 13:1).