Reap What You Sow Mondays with Tony: The Danger of Neglect

Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
3 days ago
4 min read

Welcome back to another Reap What You Sow Mondays with Tony, where we get real about the hidden dangers that can steal your harvest. Today’s post: The Danger of Neglect.

Neglect is not always loud and obvious; it’s often quiet and unintentional. It creeps in when we let distractions, discouragement, or doubt stop us from tending what God has entrusted to us. Left unchecked, neglect allows weeds of bitterness, fear, and regret to overrun our soil. Fields that once teemed with potential become wastelands of missed opportunities.

Neglect feeds weeds and starves fruit. It’s time to reverse the damage.

TThe Hidden Cost of Neglect

Neglect doesn’t always come from rebellion—it can stem from busyness, fear of failure, or simple apathy. Here’s where neglect hides:

In marriages that drift apart because we stopped dating each other.
In callings that fade because we believed we weren’t good enough.
In relationships that get overshadowed by work and worry.
In gifts that gather dust because of fear or doubt.

“Be vigilant; for your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” — 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV)

The cost of neglect is not just the weeds—it’s the harvest that never comes.

Biblical Warnings About Neglect

Song of Solomon 1:6 (NIV): “They made me caretaker of the vineyards, but I neglected my own vineyard.”
Proverbs 24:30-34 (MSG): “I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.”
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV): “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”

These verses remind us: neglect may start small, but it can destroy a whole field.

Neglect leads to spiritual drought, relational distance, and unfulfilled purpose. Even biblical heroes struggled with neglect:

David (2 Samuel 11) neglected his role as king and fell into temptation.
Samson (Judges 16) neglected his Nazarite vow and lost his strength.
Eli (1 Samuel 3) neglected to discipline his sons, leading to tragedy.
Martha (Luke 10:38-42) neglected time with Jesus, choosing busyness over intimacy.

But God is a Restorer! His Word shows us how to reclaim what neglect tried to steal:

“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord. — Malachi 3:7

Restoring What Neglect Stole

If you see weeds, take heart—God is a Restorer. Here’s how to fight back:

Recognize It. Ask God to show you the neglected fields in your life.
Repent and Receive Grace. God promises to restore the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).
Start Again. Even small steps matter. God blesses small beginnings. (Zechariah 4:10)
Guard the Ground. Pray, plan, and protect what God has given you.
Stay Connected. Community helps you keep the weeds out.

“Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord. — Malachi 3:7 (NIV)

Encouragement for the Weary

Don’t let the enemy tell you it’s too late. God brings life to the most neglected field. He is the Master Gardener, able to turn wastelands into harvests.

“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.” — Psalm 92:12 (NIV)

How to Cultivate Faithfulness:

Daily Prayer and the Word: Let God’s voice guide your steps.
Set Boundaries: Prioritize God’s gifts over the world’s demands.
Be Thankful: Gratitude fertilizes your field with hope and faith.

Declarations for Your Life:

“I will not neglect my purpose. I will tend my field.”
“I uproot every weed of doubt and let faith grow.”
“My harvest will not be stolen.”

S.O.L.A.D.™ Spotlight:

In Book I of S.O.L.A.D.™: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™, Kevin Edwards was so heartbroken by loss that he left the Village of Memphis and his Ring of Wisdom behind. He walked away from Juanita, his team, and his identity as Angelo.

But with God’s help, he realized he couldn’t abandon the dreams and purpose God had for him. Kevin reclaimed his Ring, his calling, and his superpowers—stepping once again into his destiny as Angelo and saving the day.

Like Kevin, you too can reclaim what’s been neglected.

This Week’s Challenge

Identify an area in your life where you’ve neglected what God gave you.
Pray: “Lord, forgive me for neglecting the field You entrusted to me. Help me clear the weeds and start again.”
Take one step—big or small—to tend that field today.

“A neglected dream is like a field of weeds. Clear the ground, sow again, and watch God bring the fruit.”

Until next Monday, keep your fields tended and your heart focused. God has a harvest with your name on it.

Closing Encouragement

Neglect may have hidden your purpose, but God wants to revive it. Kevin’s story in S.O.L.A.D.™ shows us that no setback is too great for a comeback. Like Kevin, you can reclaim your field, clear the weeds, and rise up to fulfill your destiny. Remember: Your neglected field is still your field—God has not abandoned your harvest.

Don’t let neglect steal your harvest. Dig again. Tend again. Watch God bring the increase.

Get your signed copies of S.O.L.A.D.: Soldiers of Light Against Darkness™ at: www.tyronetonyreedjr.com/the-shop