Almost daily, we are made aware of tragedies. Some tragedies are attributable to nature, like an earthquake. Some tragedies occur locally, such as those who die from the cold or others who die in fires. Still other people die by the hand of man, war dead, victims of terrorism or murder. The list of tragedies goes on and on. Lives are forever changed, and many lives are ruined. Tragedies of all sorts have been happening for a long time.
There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5 NKJV)
Yet in all of this, the greatest tragedies of any generation are spiritual tragedies.
Ignorance is a spiritual tragedy (Hosea 4:1, 6, 10). Sin was running rampant in Israel because of ignorance (Hosea 4:2). The nation was sliding like a backsliding heifer (Hosea 4:16). Israel was even described as forgetting her maker (Hosea 8:4). Ignorance will kill us!
Indifference is also a spiritual tragedy (Revelation 3:14-19). The one talent man was called “wicked,” “slothful” and “unprofitable servant” (Matthew 25:26-30). The Parable of the Vineyard shows that the Lord wants workers in His vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). Notice the word “idle” in verses 3, 6. We are to be “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14). We can always begin with prayer. It is something that all of us can do. Indifference will kill us!
Materialism is a spiritual tragedy (Luke 12:15-21). The rich young ruler was a religious man, but he could not bring himself to give up his riches to save his own soul (Mark 10:17-24). The rich man of Luke 16 would not even feed Lazarus, and we know the rich man’s destination (Luke 16:19-31). We must never forget that the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Materialism will kill us!
Immorality is a spiritual tragedy (Proverbs 6:32). Look at the tragedy of David’s immorality. He was separated from God, a man was killed and the child died. David’s enemies laughed at him (2 Samuel 11-12; Psalm 51). Demas forsook Paul because of his love for the world (1 Timothy 4:10). Again, we must be aware (1 John 2:15-17). Immorality will kill us!
Procrastination is a spiritual tragedy (Acts 26:24-28). The “convenient season” far too often never comes (Acts 24:25). It is tragic for one to know what he ought to do to please God and keep putting it off until it is too late. Why do we not do what we know to do? “…and ye would not” (Matthew 23:37) are some of the most tragic words in the Bible. Don’t let it happen to you. The road to hell is filled with good intentions. Don’t procrastinate. It will kill us.
Obviously, these tragedies will affect our souls and send us to hell. We are all aware of the need to avoid physical tragedies, but what about spiritual tragedies? This year, we must avoid these spiritual tragedies in our lives.
