“Neglect not the gift that is in thee” (I Tim. 4:14). Paul warns young Timothy not to neglect his spiritual gift. Neglect means to ignore, overlook, disregard, omit, postpone, or just not do it. It is sad to see some neglect their God-given gifts that could be greatly used of God. There is a saying, “Use it or lose it.” Things unused become useless. Consider the cost and consequences of neglect. Some give much time to needless things and neglect necessary tasks.
Neglect your yard and it becomes unsightly with unmowed grass and weeds. Neglected homes cause: filled sinks, dust-covered furniture, full laundry baskets, fast-food dinners, and strange smelly odors. Neglect your Bible, prayer, and witnessing and soon you drift from the Lord. Neglect others and others will neglect you. Many later have regret because of neglect. Neglected things become unusable, unattractive, and unprofitable. When you neglect your car, your hair, teeth, and health you will later have costly regrets. Neglect is doing nothing and profits nothing.
The longer it is neglected, the more costly it becomes. A great harvest can be ruined, lives can be wasted, families destroyed, and souls eternally lost. Doing nothing is also a choice. What have you neglected? If you can name it and touch it – Do it!
Remember, unsown seeds reap no harvest. Unspoken words comfort no one. Unwritten songs are never sung.Unsent cards and unwritten poems encourage no one. Unpreached messages change no lives. Ungiven love is never shared. Unfinished tasks are never rewarded. Ungiven tracts accomplish nothing. Unwritten words are never read.
Churches are filled with willing people. Some willing to work and some willing to watch. Are you willing to serve? “For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not” (2 Cor. 8:12). Every need of the Lord would be met if Christians would simply use their God-given gifts and different abilities. Learn to make yourself valuable. You are not only accountable for things done, but you are also accountable for the things left undone.
The unprofitable servant neglected his gifts (Matt. 25:25). What have you left undone? Don’t have later regret! A dying man never says, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.” One day we will wish we had done more. Seek to be a profitable servant. Be willing to do what you can! As you serve others, you also serve the Lord (Matt. 25:45). Remember, individuals win games, but teams win championships.
TEAM: Together Everyone Accomplishes More. Together we can do more! Undo your Undones. Neglect Not – Regret Not!
Why was the scarecrow successful? He was outstanding in his field – TC