Proverbs 14:14 ~“Spiritual Relapse”

The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.

Backsliding in the Christian context is a word/term used in reference to those who move away from the Christian faith and values they once held and relapsed into the ungodly behaviors and habits of their old nature and way of thinking!  The gospel writer Luke wrote in 9:62, “But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”  Speaking to a peasant class that was part of an agricultural society, Christ uses an analogy His hearers could relate to and understand that everyone who professes to be a follower of Jesus Christ must not look back to the former things or “Let go of their faith.”

The wisdom and writer of Proverbs lets readers know, backsliding begins in the heart of a person who is selfishly determined to do things their own way, and it manifest in everything they say and do.  Backsliding is not only relapsing, IT IS committing spiritual adultery against God!  No one is above becoming a backslider therefore, we must as Proverbs 4:23NIV says “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Our responsibility as Christians is to recognize the early warning signs of spiritual relapse and avoid straying away from God; behaviors such as inconsistent worship, indifference to the voice of God, slothful commitment to prayer and Bible study, weak witness, and a lack of love for serving God, are all precursors to backsliding.   

The most dangerous place for a Christian to be is out of the will of God, in a backslidden state. The only effective antidotes for spiritual relapse are: 

• Galatians 5:24, “Crucify the flesh with its passions and desires.” 
• Philippians 2:5, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” 
• Exodus 20:8, “Remembering the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
• Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Finally, remember the love & grace God extends to all who will accept His invitation to, “Return, you backsliding children.  And I will heal your backslidings.” [Jeremiah 3:22]

Blessings & Favor,
Pastor Holmes
#32 ~ 5.8.2019