The Bible provides numerous accounts and teachings that illustrate the consequences of neglecting God. This neglect can manifest in various forms, such as idolatry, disobedience, and a general turning away from His commandments and presence. The consequences are both spiritual and temporal, affecting individuals, communities, and nations.

Spiritual Consequences

1. Separation from God: Neglecting God leads to a spiritual separation from Him. Isaiah 59:2 states, "But your iniquities have built barriers between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He does not hear." This separation results in a loss of fellowship and intimacy with God, which is the essence of spiritual death.

2. Hardened Heart: Persistent neglect can lead to a hardened heart, making it difficult to respond to God's call. Hebrews 3:12-13 warns, "See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. But exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

3. Loss of Peace and Joy: The neglect of God often results in a lack of inner peace and joy, which are fruits of a relationship with Him. Psalm 16:11 declares, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand."

Temporal Consequences

1. Divine Discipline: God disciplines those who turn away from Him, as a loving father disciplines his children. Hebrews 12:6-7 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives. Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?"

2. National Decline: The neglect of God by a nation can lead to its downfall. Proverbs 14:34 asserts, "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people." The history of Israel serves as a testament to this truth, where turning away from God led to conquest and exile.

3. Moral Decay: When God is neglected, moral decay often follows. Romans 1:28-32 describes the consequences of ignoring God, leading to a depraved mind and a society filled with unrighteousness, wickedness, and all manner of evil.

Examples from Scripture

1. Adam and Eve: The first instance of neglecting God's command resulted in the fall of man (Genesis 3). Their disobedience led to spiritual death and the introduction of sin into the world.

2. Israel in the Wilderness: The Israelites' neglect and rebellion against God during their journey to the Promised Land resulted in a prolonged wandering and the death of an entire generation (Numbers 14:22-23).

3. King Saul: Saul's neglect of God's commands and his reliance on his own understanding led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 15:22-23).

4. The Exile: The persistent neglect and idolatry of the Israelites led to their exile to Babylon, as prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets (Jeremiah 25:8-11).

Warnings and Exhortations

The Bible is replete with warnings against neglecting God and exhortations to remain faithful. Deuteronomy 6:12 cautions, "Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." Similarly, Jesus warns in John 15:5-6, "I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers."

The consequences of neglecting God are severe and far-reaching, affecting every aspect of life. The Bible calls believers to remain vigilant, faithful, and obedient to avoid these dire outcomes.