BEING CAREFUL
Today's reading:  2 Chronicles 11-15

"But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin."  2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

I've looked in the Lexicon to see what is meant by 'abandoned'.

Sure, I know what it means...but a little more insight has proven quite helpful.

Some of the synonyms used for 'abandoned' are rejected, forsook, left, cut loose from and deserted.

I knew all those.  Makes sense to me.  I understand.  He got comfortable and left the Lord.  I've seen people do it.  They get to the point they don't think they need the Lord.

But the last word used to explain what Rehoboam did really caught my attention...Neglected.

Hmmm.  The other definitions sound so sinister and deliberate.  They are all verbs that show force and intent.  They are aggressive and specific.  They sound sinful.

But neglected?

Neglect is something this uneducated, attempting-to-be-godly gal from a small town can see herself allowing in her own walk with the Lord.  It seemingly slips in.  It just happens.  It begins as a small concession and turns into days, weeks or months of not seeking the Lord.  It's not something I'd ever set out to do, but occurs when I don't stay on top of my choices and attitude.  Not so much an act of commission, but of omission.

That's scary!