Verse of the day: Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart
will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above.
The backslider is the one who moves away or turns
back. Proverbs 26:11 tell us that, “As a dog returns to his
own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.” How easy it is to find ourselves in a backslidden
state if we are not careful to maintain that which promotes intimacy with
Jesus. It often begins with the gradual neglect of prayer, reading and studying
God’s Word, a complacency regarding sin, and spending less and less time with
others of like faith. A lack of thankfulness and contentment with what God has
chosen for us puts us on that slippery slope where we begin to put our eyes on what
the world is offering, which only draws us further away from God. The end
result is that we are filled with our own ways. Verse 12 of this same chapter
tells us that, “There is a way that
seems right to a man, But its end is the
way of death.” As God’s children, we must take care to avoid the trap of
befriending the world, simply because we think we will have a better life by
gaining that which the world says will bring pleasure and satisfaction;
especially when we see the unsaved gaining riches and seemingly enjoying life.
James 4:4 warns us, “Adulterers
and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity
with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an
enemy of God.” As born again believers, this is the last place we want
to find ourselves; for when we called upon Jesus Christ as Savior, we were
finally reconciled to God, and at peace with Him (Rm 5:1). So how do we avoid
the pitfall of backsliding? We do this by continuing to find pleasure and
contentment in doing that which draws us closer to God (v. 14b), and helps us
to maintain the intimacy we need in order to remain thankful for all that He
has done, and continues to do for us, even though we deserve none of it. 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18 tells us to, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in
everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
2 Timothy 2:15 encourages us to, “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that
needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Proverbs
28:13 is very clear that, “He who covers his sins will not
prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will
have mercy.” Good Christian fellowship is also important. Hebrews
10:24-25 encourages us not to forsake it because it stirs up love and good
works, and is one of the things God has provided for us so that we will be
exhorted and encouraged; especially as His returns drawers near. We are to continue
in His love (Jn 15:9). We must love God with all that we are, and love our
neighbor as ourselves; doing good unto them, not because it earns us our
salvation, but because it is how we demonstrate true faith. James 2:18 reads, But
someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith
without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Finally,
we need to always be ready to share our faith with others. Mark 16:15 tells us
to go into the world and preach the Gospel to every creature; and 2 Timothy 4:2
tells us to, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all
longsuffering and teaching.” The best way I can say this is to simply
quote the Apostle Paul in Philippians 2:12-13, Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed,
not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will
and to do for His good pleasure.”
When we backslide, we find more pleasure in that which the world has to offer,
but goodness is something that comes from within, as we stay close to the Lord
and He works in our hearts to make us more like Him each day.
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