Hebrews 2:3-4 “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, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.” [ESV]
I woke up this morning with this passage from Hebrews on my mind. How do we find any hope in life if we neglect God’s great salvation? Scripture indicates we have no excuse. The Lord declared it; eye witnesses affirmed it; signs, wonders and miracles confirmed it. And the Holy Spirit continues to provide us with spiritual gifts pointing to it. So much evidence exists that we have to ignore its truth with intentionality in order to avoid it.
But I’m afraid that’s exactly what many of us try to do. We numb ourselves to the reality of our condition, like people infected with the corona virus who have no idea of their vulnerability. Only when temperatures spike and breathing becomes labored do we realize the danger. Danger not only to ourselves, but also to others. We need to heed the warning signs.
Some of us deceive ourselves, using Christianease as a cover for our neglect. We talk about how much we “love Jesus,” while doing things we know he disapproves of. What happened to the part where Jesus says if we love him, we’ll do what he commands? (John 14:15).
I think neglect for most of us probably begins with small, seemingly insignificant, decisions. Busyness creeps into Bible study. Prayers become flavored more with our interests than God’s. But most of all, we stop acknowledging God as the source of all the good we experience. As the New Living Translation puts it: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” (Romans 2:4) Amazing how gratitude works like a vaccine against apostasy.
Friend, let’s avoid getting infected with the virus of neglect. The consequences run too high. Our God has designed us for life. Abundant life.