The term "lagged" is not directly found in the Bible; however, the concept of lagging, or falling behind, can be explored through various scriptural themes and narratives. In a biblical context, lagging often refers to spiritual sluggishness, lack of diligence, or failure to keep pace with God's commands and purposes.

Spiritual Sluggishness

The Bible frequently warns against spiritual laziness and encourages believers to be diligent in their faith. In Hebrews 6:12 , the author exhorts, "so that you will not be sluggish, but will imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." This verse highlights the danger of spiritual lagging and the importance of perseverance and active faith.

Diligence in Faith

The concept of lagging is contrasted with the call to be diligent and zealous in one's spiritual walk. Romans 12:11 instructs believers, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Here, the apostle Paul emphasizes the need for continuous enthusiasm and commitment in serving God, warning against the tendency to become complacent or fall behind in spiritual duties.

Parables and Teachings

Jesus' parables often address the theme of readiness and the consequences of lagging behind in spiritual preparedness. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), five virgins are described as wise and five as foolish. The foolish virgins lagged in their preparation, failing to bring extra oil for their lamps. As a result, they were unprepared when the bridegroom arrived and were excluded from the wedding feast. This parable serves as a warning to remain vigilant and prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the Israelites' journey through the wilderness provides numerous examples of spiritual lagging. Despite witnessing God's miracles, the Israelites often lagged in their faith, grumbling and rebelling against God's commands. Numbers 14:2-4 recounts their desire to return to Egypt, demonstrating a lack of trust and a lagging spirit in following God's plan.

Encouragement to Persevere

The Bible encourages believers to persevere and not lag in their spiritual journey. Galatians 6:9 states, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." This verse reassures believers that persistence in faith and good works will ultimately lead to spiritual rewards.

Conclusion

While the term "lagged" is not explicitly used in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture, urging believers to remain diligent, zealous, and prepared in their spiritual lives. Through parables, teachings, and examples, the Bible provides guidance on avoiding spiritual sluggishness and encourages a steadfast commitment to God's purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Lag.

Eldad and Medad
... the Israelites had been only slaves there, they would doubtless be familiar with
the art of writing, for the men of that race have never yet lagged behind any ...
/.../milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/eldad and medad.htm

Spiritual Diagnosis
... the simple way of the Founder of the greatest influence the world has ever
seen"how He ran away from cities, how He shirked mobs, how He lagged behind the ...
/.../berkhof/new evangelism and other papers/spiritual diagnosis.htm

The Faithful Servant
... and Roman patience as it had not been taxed before. Titus no longer lagged.
Famine had long since become a powerful ally and the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxi the faithful servant.htm

Through the Red Sea
... How they reviled the snail-like leaders, not knowing that the sturdy pace lagged
in the body of the multitude. So they hasted and progressed only inch by inch. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xlv through the red.htm

The First-Born
... The blood congealed in her veins and her steps lagged, but Har-hat, for some purpose
not apparent to any who looked upon his daughter's anguish, drew her to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xl the first-born.htm

The Life of Paulus the First Hermit.
... His steps lagged behind his will. Yet, exhausted as he was with fasting and broken
by age, his courage proved victorious over his years. 13. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of paulus the.htm

Letter cxviii. To Julian.
... to follow the Saviour in the perfection of apostolic virtue, then you will come
to see what your place has hitherto been, and how you have lagged in the rear ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxviii to julian.htm

Hidden Manna
... I have observed many who did run well when under a gospel ministry, who, when they
have been removed into a barren region, have lagged and loitered in the race ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/hidden manna.htm

The Northern Mountains
... Our had lagged behind with the provisions; and, hungry and thirsty, we tethered
our horses to the trees at the bottom of a gully, and went down through ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm

Causes of the Reformation
... For years France lagged behind in the classical movement, and it was only in the
early portion of the sixteenth century that French Humanism made itself felt. ...
/.../chapter i causes of the.htm

Lagged (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Lag. Multi-Version Concordance
Lagged (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 25:18 how he met thee ...
/l/lagged.htm - 6k

Lag (1 Occurrence)

/l/lag.htm - 7k

Lagging (2 Occurrences)

/l/lagging.htm - 7k

Assyria (124 Occurrences)
... Sculpture in the round, however, lagged far behind that in relief, and the
statuary of Assyria is very inferior to that of Babylonia. ...
/a/assyria.htm - 101k

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