The Hindrance Of Neglect

The Hindrance of Neglect

God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law. Proverbs 28:9

THE WORLD IS FULL OF NOMINAL CHRISTIANS—people who claim the name of Christ on a census form but pay hardly any attention to his teachings in daily life. They are natural by-products of cultural Christianity, a legacy of Christian history without the substance of meaningful worship and faith. In a pinch, they will turn to God in prayer and reclaim their religious affiliation. But for most other matters, they don’t see him as very relevant.

Of course, no one knows the heart of each person brought up in a semi-Christian culture. And in his mercy, God answers the prayers of those who turn to him, regardless of their background. But those who have pointedly pushed him into the margins of their lives so they can follow their own plans are missing out on his promises for faithful believers. They may pray, but often without conviction. They may worship, but often without heart. And they may claim Jesus’ name, but usually without his nature, power, or presence within. Their prayers are based on a wish and a hope rather than a changed heart and a covenant of love.

No one wants detestable prayers, but according to Proverbs, that’s the nature of the prayers of those who are disinterested in God’s will and ways. This passage refers not to those who aim to be faithful and are flawed in their devotion but rather to those who callously reject God as a real presence in their lives and then demand his attention when they are in need. Such self-serving prayers miss the heart of the Father. They are far beyond the scope of his commitments to the faithful.

Invest your life in the Word of God—not the law as the author of this verse understood it, necessarily, but the covenant of Jesus that fulfilled the law and works his purposes into our hearts. Let your life be saturated with his will. Your prayers will rise as pleasing incense in the presence of God, and he will honor your faithfulness with his provision. He delights to answer the prayers of those who love him.

Ask not for gifts but for the Giver of gifts; not for life but for the Giver of life. Then life and the things needed for life will be added to you.