The pandemic and lockdown really dealt a great blow on a lot of people. I came across quite a number of people who admitted that they hadn’t stepped into Church for a number of months. Some are still struggling to get back on their feet even after the lockdown is over.
Friend, backsliding is not only about committing sin or renouncing your followership of Jesus. It is simply missing steps with God. Most times, the point at which we think someone has backslidden is only the point at which the fruit of the backsliding is now full grown and blown. You need to check the signs of backsliding before you eventually become a victim of the same (Luke 22:31-32).
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12). This is where it often starts from; an evil heart of unbelief. I wonder why God would call such a heart an evil heart. It is not until a man commits sins of murder, fornication, stealing etc. that he has done evil. God begins to judge the evil in your life from your heart (Isaiah 14:12-13).
“For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven…” (Isaiah 14:13). What you are “saying” in your heart will soon reflect in your acts; it’s only a matter of time. The heart of the matter is always a matter of the heart. With God, our hearts sound louder than our acts. Backsliding and all kinds of evils begin from the heart (Proverbs 4:23). When your heart begins to contemplate or doubt the faithfulness of God, backsliding is setting in (Hebrews 3:12).
An evil heart of unbelief is the breeding ground for backsliding. When you start to become double minded as to what you used to know and believe in God, backsliding has started setting it. You gradually depart from the living God (Hebrews 3:12). Don’t allow the devil to play with your mind and emotions causing you to doubt what you once believed.
“A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). This is a dangerous place to be. This was why Apostle Paul asked the Galatians; “who has bewitched you?” It is more serious than you think; it is actually a bewitchment (Galatians 3:1-3). It is a satanic attack on your conviction and commitment to the living God. This is why you need to stay connected to Kingdom relationships for encouragements and supports (Hebrews 3:13, 10:25).
© ‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria