Avoid, Deny, IGNORE

Avoid, Deny & Ignore are 3 actions that are prevalent in our modern society.
This is the last of a three part series. All three of these verbs are similar but yet very different. We will be looking at both the good and the bad of each word and we will be learning what the Bible has to say about these verbs.

Today we will focus on the word "Ignore"

Definition: to refuse to take notice of, to reject as ungrounded.

Synonyms:  overlook, discount, flout, snub, turn your back on, pay no attention

Antonyms:   notice, pay attention, recognize, look at

The Bible shows us that there are 3 main areas that we should NOT ignore:


1.  Do NOT ignore Salvation

"We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received it's just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him." Hebrews 2:1-3

Not many of us are "good listeners" anymore - if we don't like something all we have to do is change the channel or click the mouse to move to a different website or look at caller ID before answering....... Modern conveniences have made it so easy to Ignore anything that we don't want to look at or listen to.

Unfortunately all of these "helpful" devices have turned the ability to "ignore" into a habit.  I believe that many of us find it easy even to ignore nudgings from our Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit.  The most important thing NOT to ignore is Jesus and our salvation through His blood on the cross.  However, it is also important that we do not ignore the guidance from our Lord "so that we do not drift away."  Therefore, "pay more careful attention" to what God is telling you!

2.  Do NOT ignore Correction

"He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17

"He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored." Proverbs 13:18

"He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." Proverbs 15:32

So what can happen when we ignore discipline? - We "lead others astray," we come to "poverty & shame" and in actuality we "despise ourselves."

What happens when we pay attention to correction and work on improving our wrong? - we are "honored", we know "the way to life" and we "gain understanding."

Constructive criticism is a good thing but so many of us in our society simply ignore anything that could possibly be construed as negative. However, Correction is a positive thing! - It's difficult to look at but in the end correction is positive for ourselves & those around us.

3. Do NOT ignore Others

"If you see your brother's ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to him."  Deuteronomy 22:1

Let's think about the context of the verse above - first of all "brother" does not only mean your sibling - it refers to your neighbor, friend, acquaintance, business associate .....etc.  During Biblical times it would have been a huge bother to return someone's ox or sheep that had strayed away.  You wouldn't have been able to hop in a truck & return that animal in a matter of minutes - No! - You would have had to return that animal on foot & it could have been many miles away from the owner.  If we are to "pay attention" to a person who is almost a stranger then shouldn't we "notice" everyone around us? - and help them out in whatever way possible?

Please read "The Parable of the Good Samaritan" Luke 10:25-37
I wonder how many of us would have passed by the man who had been beaten?  Would we have told our children "not to make eye contact" or would we have crossed the street to the other side? Or would we have been the "Good Samaritan" and helped out this poor man?   The "Good Samaritan" was the only one out of those 3 strangers who paid attention and took notice of the people around him!  We are supposed to "go and do likewise."

The Vicious A.D.I. (Avoid Deny Ignore) Triangle

 If you start to Avoid something, then you will also be Denying and Ignoring - you can't have one without the other two.  This is what I call the "Vicious ADI Triangle" - at each tip of the triangle you have one of these 3 verbs.

For example:

You are claustrophobic = You avoid small enclosed spaces > You ignore your spouse when he/she confronts you about your avoidance > You deny that you have a problem

OR

You have not been feeling well = You ignore the lump that you found on your body > You avoid going to see the doctor > You deny that you are sick

OR

You are spending more money than what you make = You deny that you are having trouble paying your monthly bills > You ignore the bills that keep coming in the mail and tuck them under a book > You avoid going to the bank

OR

You can't stand confrontation of any kind (negative or positive) = You ignore all family members when they are arguing or trying to have a constructive family meeting > You deny that you have a problem with confrontation and even deny that your family has any problems that need to be corrected > You avoid any and every topic that could bring you to that dreaded confrontation point

OR

You said or did something that hurt or offended a friend = You avoid going to places that you know that friend frequents > You ignore that deep down tugging from the Holy Spirit urging you to confess your wrong > You deny that it was your fault and play the "word" game- twisting the truth like: "well, it was winter and I have Season Affective Disorder" or "I was going through a bad time"

I could go on and on with examples - but I won't.  Why not try to replace this "Vicious ADI Triangle" with the "Holy Trinity Triangle":

Replace "Avoid" with "Seeking" guidance from our Heavenly Father"

Replace "Deny" with "Confessing" our sins which have been paid for by the blood of Jesus Christ

Replace "Ignore" with "Paying attention" to and "noticing" the urgings of the Holy Spirit.

It won't be easy but if you replace the "ADI Triangle" with the "Holy Trinity Triangle" then you and those around you will benefit and thrive.

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Click to view:
Part 1 - AVOID
Part 2 - DENY

Linked to:
Adorned From Above
Faith Filled Friday