The term "lingers" in the biblical context often conveys a sense of delay or hesitation, typically in situations where prompt action is expected or required. This concept is illustrated in several passages throughout the Bible, where lingering can have significant spiritual and moral implications.

Lot's Hesitation in Sodom

One of the most notable instances of lingering is found in the account of Lot in the city of Sodom. In Genesis 19, God sends two angels to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite the urgency of the situation, Lot hesitates. Genesis 19:16 states, "But when he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them." Lot's lingering reflects a reluctance to leave behind his life in Sodom, highlighting the human tendency to cling to the familiar, even when it is detrimental.

Spiritual Implications of Lingering

Lingering can symbolize a lack of decisiveness in spiritual matters. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of immediate and wholehearted commitment to following Him. In Luke 9:62 , Jesus declares, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." This statement underscores the necessity of resolute dedication to the Christian walk, without hesitation or backward glances.

Moral and Ethical Considerations

From a moral and ethical standpoint, lingering can be seen as a failure to act in accordance with God's will. In situations where God calls for action, hesitation can lead to missed opportunities and spiritual stagnation. The account of Lot serves as a cautionary tale, reminding believers of the importance of responding promptly to God's guidance.

Application in Christian Life

In practical terms, Christians are encouraged to examine areas in their lives where they may be lingering, whether in matters of faith, obedience, or service. The call to follow Christ is one of urgency and commitment, requiring believers to move forward without delay. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 5:15-16 , advises, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." This exhortation highlights the need for vigilance and promptness in living out one's faith.

Conclusion

The concept of lingering in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of timely obedience and the dangers of hesitation in spiritual matters. Through the examples provided in Scripture, believers are encouraged to act decisively in their walk with God, trusting in His guidance and provision.

Christ's Friends
... He lingers on it as if the idea conveyed was too great and sweet to be taken in
at once, and with soothing reiteration He assures the little group that they ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture st john chaps xv to xxi/christs friends.htm

Life a Tale
... stream is narrowing, and rushing more swiftly as it narrows, towards those high
hills that bound our present vision, upon whose summits lingers the departing ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/life a tale.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... His history puts before us many and serious defects; but there is much more to approve
and admire: and while a feeling or sorrow lingers over the one, the ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles.
... A special charm lingers around the memory of Bishop Ken, but his name can scarcely
be made prominent in any sketch which deals only with the eighteenth century ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter ii robert nelson his.htm

A Christmas Sermon
... "A late lark twitters from the quiet skies; And from the west, Where the sun, his
day's work ended, Lingers as in content, There falls on the old, gray city An ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stevenson/a christmas sermon/iv.htm

The Arrest
... it contains are those to the silent shadows of which the Saviour used to resort;
but the scene cannot have been far away, and the piety which lingers with awe ...
/.../stalker/the trial and death of jesus christ/chapter i the arrest.htm

A Word in the Prayer.
... light. The mind dwells lovingly on His parables, ponders deeply His sayings,
lingers tenderly over His words. WE WELCOME THE WORD. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter i a word in.htm

The Note of Idealism.
... as is the life of the age, engrossed as the multitudes appear to be in the pursuit
of mammon, of vain glory and of pleasure, there still lingers in the human ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iii the note of.htm

Introduction
... at whatever the uptorn trench may pour forth; but, before the stroke of the quivering
spade raises aloft the glittering mass, he meanwhile lingers over the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/introduction.htm

The Evolution of a Father
... When the eggs are laid, the male parent also takes his turn at incubation; supplies
food and protection; and lingers round the place of birth to defend the ...
/.../the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter ix the evolution of.htm

Lingers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lingers (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 1:9 He said
to me,'Stand, please, beside me, and kill me; for anguish ...
/l/lingers.htm - 6k

Link (2 Occurrences)

/l/link.htm - 8k

Jabeshgilead (12 Occurrences)
... The site remains in doubt; but the ancient name still lingers in that of the valley,
the stream from which enters the Jordan fully 9 miles Southeast of Beisan. ...
/j/jabeshgilead.htm - 13k

Jabesh-gilead (12 Occurrences)
... The site remains in doubt; but the ancient name still lingers in that of the valley,
the stream from which enters the Jordan fully 9 miles Southeast of Beisan. ...
/j/jabesh-gilead.htm - 13k

Lingering (2 Occurrences)

/l/lingering.htm - 7k

Mareshah (8 Occurrences)
... Until recently it was thought that Khirbet Mir`ash, where the old name lingers,
not far Southwest of Beit Jibrin, represented the ancient city. ...
/m/mareshah.htm - 11k

Admah (6 Occurrences)
... It is supposed by some to be the same as the Adam of Joshua 3:16, the name of which
still lingers in Damieh, the ford of Jordan. (see ZEBOIM.). Int. ...
/a/admah.htm - 10k

Mary (50 Occurrences)
... There she lingers thoughtfully, weeping at the door of the tomb. The risen
Lord appears to her, but at first she knows him not. ...
/m/mary.htm - 72k

Book (211 Occurrences)
... with, tend to be less exact than eye impressions, in any event, because they depend
on a brief sense impression, while in reading the eye lingers until the ...
/b/book.htm - 101k

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