Definition and Context:
Lagging, in a biblical context, refers to the act of falling behind, delaying, or being slow in action or progress. This concept can be applied both physically and spiritually, where individuals or groups may not keep pace with expected standards or divine commands. The Bible often addresses the importance of diligence, promptness, and zeal in fulfilling God's will, contrasting these virtues with the negative implications of lagging.

Biblical References and Themes:

1. Diligence vs. Slothfulness:
The Bible frequently contrasts diligence with slothfulness, urging believers to be proactive and industrious in their spiritual and daily lives. Proverbs 13:4 states, "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied." This verse highlights the consequences of lagging due to laziness, emphasizing the rewards of diligence.

2. Spiritual Readiness:
Lagging can also refer to a lack of spiritual readiness or alertness. In Matthew 25:1-13, the Parable of the Ten Virgins illustrates the importance of being prepared for the coming of the bridegroom. The five foolish virgins lagged in their preparation, resulting in their exclusion from the wedding feast. This parable underscores the necessity of spiritual vigilance and readiness.

3. Zeal in Service:
Romans 12:11 exhorts believers, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This verse encourages Christians to maintain enthusiasm and commitment in their service to God, warning against the dangers of lagging in zeal, which can lead to spiritual stagnation.

4. Perseverance in Faith:
Hebrews 12:1 advises, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us." Here, the imagery of a race suggests that lagging, due to sin or distraction, can hinder one's spiritual journey. Believers are encouraged to persevere and maintain momentum in their faith.

5. Procrastination and Its Consequences:
The Bible warns against procrastination, which can be a form of lagging. James 4:17 states, "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin." This verse highlights the moral responsibility to act promptly and decisively, rather than delaying righteous actions.

Practical Implications for Believers:
Believers are called to examine their lives for areas where they may be lagging, whether in spiritual disciplines, moral responsibilities, or service to others. The biblical call to diligence, readiness, and zeal serves as a reminder to actively pursue growth and obedience in the Christian walk. By addressing areas of lagging, Christians can better align themselves with God's purposes and experience the fullness of His blessings.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lag.

2. (n.) The clothing (esp., an outer, wooden covering), as of a steam cylinder, applied to prevent the radiation of heat; a covering of lags; -- called also deading and cleading.

3. (n.) Lags, collectively; narrow planks extending from one rib to another in the centering of arches.

3636. okneros -- shrinking, timid, hence idle, lazy, troublesome
... Word Origin from okneo Definition shrinking, timid, hence idle, lazy, troublesome
NASB Word Usage lagging behind (1), lazy (1), trouble (1). lazy, slothful. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3636.htm - 7k

A Present Religion
... We try anything and everything to push on the lagging hours; we chide them, wish
that Time had double wings, that he might swiftly fly and bring the expected ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/a present religion.htm

How are Your Ear Connections?
... heart for such things. That is why some people can never keep spiritual,
and are always lagging behind others. People who have such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-nine how are your.htm

Dignity and Service
... What a contrast between Jesus, striding on ahead with 'set' face, and the Twelve
unsympathetic and self-seeking, lagging behind to squabble about pre-eminence! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/dignity and service.htm

The Man that Stopped Jesus
... were afraid.' Then the story goes on to tell how James and John, with their arrogant
wish, did draw closer to Him, the rest of them lagging behind, conscious ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the man that stopped jesus.htm

Christ Hastening to the Cross
... And lagging behind, the little group, awed into almost stupor, and shrinking in
uncomprehending terror from that light of unconquerable resolve and more than ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christ hastening to the cross.htm

Judas Iscariot
... To do God's will exactly, neither more nor less, neither anticipating it nor lagging
behind it, was the inner-most principle of the life of Jesus; and He ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter ix judas iscariot.htm

The Relation of the Will of God to Sanctification
... And long after he has begun to run the Christian race, God may try to hasten his
lagging steps by the spur of a motive as far beneath an heir of heaven as his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the relation of the will.htm

The Revolution of 1911
... The fleeing soldiers had found the engine-driver preparing to take in water, but
they would have none of his lagging ways, and compelling him to drive ahead ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xix the revolution of.htm

Christ on the Road to the Cross
... And may we not see, in that swift advance in front of the lagging disciples, some
trace of the same feeling which we recognise to be so truly human? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ on the road to.htm

The Spokesman of the City's Conscience
... His trenchant words, his statesmanlike ability spurred the lagging energies and
fired men's spirits to greater effort; he gave the necessary courage and drive ...
/.../herrick/frank h nelson of cincinnati/the spokesman of the citys.htm

Lagging (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lagging (2 Occurrences). Romans 12:11 not lagging
in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (WEB NAS). ...
/l/lagging.htm - 7k

Lahad (1 Occurrence)

/l/lahad.htm - 6k

Lagged (1 Occurrence)

/l/lagged.htm - 6k

Fervent (10 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV). Romans 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent
in spirit; serving the Lord; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). ...
/f/fervent.htm - 11k

Flag (30 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Flag (30 Occurrences). Romans 12:11 not lagging in
diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (See RSV). ...
/f/flag.htm - 18k

Remiss (4 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Not careful or promptly fulfilling a duty; negligent; careless; tardy;
behindhand; lagging; slack; hence, lacking earnestness or activity; languid; slow ...
/r/remiss.htm - 7k

Diligence (31 Occurrences)
... cheerfulness. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Romans 12:11 not lagging in diligence;
fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (WEB ASV YLT NAS). 2 ...
/d/diligence.htm - 18k

Aglow (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Aglow (1 Occurrence). Romans 12:11 not lagging in
diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; (See RSV). ...
/a/aglow.htm - 6k

Serving (85 Occurrences)
... RSV NIV). Romans 12:11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving
the Lord; (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). Romans 14 ...
/s/serving.htm - 32k

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Lagging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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