The other day a friend of mine and I took a walk in the woods and swamp behind my house. About seven years ago I spent many hours and many days cutting a clear path through that area. It got to the point where I could drive my four-wheeler down it. A couple of years later a huge wind came through our area and knocked down many trees. I never had time to clean up the swampy area. Then I came out of retirement and began pastoring. The other day was the first day back in there after seven years.
I was heartbroken as the two of us walked through there. The path was gone. Oh, there was a faded ribbon hanging in a tree here and there where it used to be. Neglecting that path for so long had consequences. All my hard work was swallowed up by fallen trees, tall grass, and brush.
The Bible talks about neglecting the important spiritual matters of life. Doing that can have devastating consequences. It is so easy to do what comes easy and neglect the important, like loving one another, going to church, showing kindness, or encouraging someone with a kind word. Today, do an act of kindness or share an encouraging word with someone.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
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