The term "slackened" refers to the act of becoming less tight, firm, or active. In a biblical context, it often conveys a sense of diminishing intensity or effort, particularly in one's spiritual life or duties. The concept of slackening can be applied to various aspects of faith, including diligence in spiritual practices, commitment to God's commandments, and the fervor of one's relationship with God.

Biblical References:

1. Proverbs 18:9 : "Whoever is slack in his work is brother to him who destroys." This verse highlights the consequences of slackness in one's duties, equating it with destructive behavior. It serves as a warning against complacency and negligence, emphasizing the importance of diligence and responsibility.

2. Ecclesiastes 10:18 : "Through laziness the roof caves in, and in the hands of the idle, the house leaks." Here, slackness is associated with laziness and neglect, leading to deterioration and ruin. The imagery of a collapsing house underscores the tangible consequences of failing to maintain one's responsibilities.

3. Hebrews 6:12 : "Then you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." This passage encourages believers to avoid spiritual slackness by emulating the perseverance and faith of those who have gone before them. It underscores the necessity of active engagement in one's faith journey to receive God's promises.

Theological Implications:

In the Christian life, slackening can be seen as a spiritual danger. It often leads to a weakening of faith, a decrease in spiritual fervor, and a susceptibility to sin. The Bible frequently warns against spiritual complacency, urging believers to remain vigilant and steadfast in their faith.

The concept of slackening is also tied to the idea of stewardship. Believers are called to be diligent stewards of the gifts, talents, and responsibilities entrusted to them by God. Slackness in this regard can lead to missed opportunities to serve God and others effectively.

Practical Applications:

1. Spiritual Disciplines: To combat slackness, Christians are encouraged to engage consistently in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and worship. These practices help maintain a vibrant and active faith.

2. Community Accountability: Being part of a faith community provides accountability and encouragement, helping individuals avoid spiritual slackness. Fellowship with other believers can inspire and motivate one to remain diligent in their walk with God.

3. Self-Examination: Regular self-examination and reflection can help identify areas of slackness in one's spiritual life. By acknowledging these areas, believers can seek God's guidance and strength to renew their commitment and fervor.

In summary, the concept of slackened serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of diligence and perseverance in the Christian faith. Through active engagement in spiritual practices and reliance on God's strength, believers can overcome the tendency to slacken and remain faithful stewards of their spiritual journey.(p. p.) of Slacken.

Seized by Disease, his Mother Being Troubled, He Earnestly Demands ...
... then deferred? Was it for my good that the reins were slackened, as it were,
upon me for me to sin? Or were they not slackened? If ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xi seized by disease his.htm

Hebrews xiii. 17
... since it is not sent along by wind, but has all the pure sails filled by the Paraclete
Himself: and He casts out of our minds all that is slackened and relaxed ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxiv hebrews xiii 17.htm

The King.
... Into what doleful regions of hate and darkness may self-will drag a soul,
when once the reins fall loose from a slackened hand! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/ix the king.htm

The Sower.
... Having paused till the press slackened, he privately retired to the margin of the
lake, desiring probably to "rest a while;" but no sooner had he taken his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

The Eternity of God
... (1.) Without intermission. Their pains shall be acute and sharp, and no relaxation;
the fire shall not be slackened or abated. Revelation 14:41. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 the eternity of god.htm

The Procession of Amen
... Kenkenes slackened his pace when he recognized the character of these spectators,
and after hesitating a moment, he hung the flat wallet containing the message ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

Origen (Ad 185-254)
... and learning. The persecution had slackened for a while, but it began
again, and some of Origen's pupils were martyred. He went ...
/.../chapter vii origen ad 185-254.htm

Brave Encouragements
... But these conjectures are profitless, and all that we know is that God sent him
to rouse the slackened earnestness of the people, and that his words exercised ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/brave encouragements.htm

Through the Red Sea
... Neither halt nor escape was possible. Press as the hindmost might upon those
forward, the pace was slackened, instead of quickened. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlv through the red.htm

Promises and Threatenings
... When the tension is slackened, the whole nature of the worker is relaxed,
and the temptation to slothful self-indulgence is strong. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/promises and threatenings.htm

Slackened (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (pp) of Slacken. Multi-Version Concordance Slackened
(2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 6:9 For they all would have ...
/s/slackened.htm - 7k

Slacken (1 Occurrence)

/s/slacken.htm - 7k

Slackeneth (1 Occurrence)

/s/slackeneth.htm - 6k

Crete (7 Occurrences)
... it managed to run under the lee of Cauda, an island 23 miles West of Cape Matala,
where the crew hauled in the boat, undergirded the ship, and slackened sail. ...
/c/crete.htm - 19k

Captivity (141 Occurrences)
... not far off. Its hold over the West had greatly slackened, and the tributary
peoples were breaking out into revolt. Bands of Scythians ...
/c/captivity.htm - 79k

Slackened: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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