Following Jesus is a lifelong commitment, but many believers are afraid that they won’t make it. Worried about the temptations and distractions that are offered by the world, some fear that they may… backslide.
Now that word “backslide” is an interesting word, because it’s come to mean different things to different people. Arguing that Christ would never let them go, some would say that true believers would never return to their old ways - while others think it’s possible for believers to once again be ensnared by the world because of their own free will. Whatever you believe, and no matter where you stand on that question, it should be your desire to remain committed to Christ for life.
19 They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. 20 And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. 21 It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. 22 They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” (2 Peter 2:19-22, NLT)
So whatever you believe about the state of a backslider, the Scripture makes it clear that it is possible for believers to have major spiritual setbacks.
That doesn’t mean that backsliding is to be expected. Sadly, some modern church teachings seem to imply that “backsliding” is a normal phase in the Christian journey. It’s not. Saying, “I’m in my backsliding phase,” as a believer is the equivalent of saying, “I’m in my cheating phase,” as a spouse.
So how can you prevent yourself from falling into spiritual decline?
Here are 5 simple keys:
#1 Read God’s Word Faithfully
If you practice the spiritual basics, you can avoid spiritual crisis. The Word of God is your first line of defense against spiritual decline.
Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. (Matthew 7:24, WEB)
#2 Pray Consistently
The strength of your spiritual life is directly proportionate to the consistency of your prayer life.
Never stop praying. (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)
#3 Attend Church Regularly
It’s not possible to fulfill all of the New Testament commands without the connectivity of believers. You cannot love, honor, encourage, or make use of your spiritual gifts in isolation. Gathering with other believers will help to keep you spiritually sharp.
And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. (Hebrews 10:25, NLT)
#4 Repent Immediately
When you make a sinful mistake, it’s important that you correct and turn from that sin immediately. By living a lifestyle of constant correction, you can avoid becoming deeply entrenched in sin.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, NLT)
#5 Evangelize Passionately
Seeing others receive Christ can inspire greater levels of appreciation for salvation. Evangelism will keep you on the spiritual cutting edge. Christ Himself received spiritual satisfaction upon witnessing the conversion of the woman at the well.
32 But Jesus replied, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” 33 “Did someone bring him food while we were gone?” the disciples asked each other. 34 Then Jesus explained: “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work. (John 4:32-34, NLT)
By continuing to practice the fundamentals of the faith, you will continue to grow in spiritual strength. Through the practice of spiritual basics, you avoid spiritual crisis.You don’t have to settle for up and down, back and forth commitment. You can live in the constant flow of surrender to the Holy Spirit. You don’t have to lose ground. By walking in simple, daily obedience and trust toward God, you can know with confidence that you will never backslide.
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