SCRIPTURE
“Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” Hosea 14:9
SPOTLIGHT
What do you know about BACKSLIDING? This word is not used very often, but is the central theme in the book of Hosea, which is named after its author. Hosea was a prophet during the time of Amos, Isaiah, and Micah. The focus of the book concerns the unfaithfulness of Hosea’s wife, who becomes an illustration of how unfaithful Israel, God’s chosen people, had been toward God. The message of the book is for backsliders. Here is a graphic picture of how God restores someone who has turned away from Him, and gone back to ungodly living.
BACKSLIDING means to fall away from having been a follower of Jesus Christ. It describes someone who has turned his/her back on God, and His ways, having once trusted and obeyed Him. It does not suddenly happen, but rather gradual. Temptations, ungratefulness to God, and even disappointment with God, are just some of the causes for BACKSLIDING.
Evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, told the story of an older Christian who had faithfully served for many years. Things happened in his life which began to challenge his faith. The conflict was so great that he began to consider it was God’s will for him to be lost. Within his spirit, he heard the Holy Spirit whisper: “Suppose there is a hell for you, what would you, with your disposition and habits, do there?” Quickly he thought, “ I would set up a prayer meeting.” Suddenly, he realized God’s love and goodness once again, and how absurd his thought of turning his back on God had been. [Sunday School Times].
There are numerous symptoms of backsliding. Bible reading, and prayer, begin to be ignored. Church attendance is irregular. A desire to be with other believers decreases. Giving, dwindles. Witnessing is not a priority. Pleasing self and family, are far more important than pleasing God. A medical doctor said, “The symptoms of spiritual decline are like those which attend the decline of bodily health. It generally commences with the loss of appetite, and a disrelish for wholesome food, prayer, reading the Scriptures, and devotional books. Whenever you perceive these symptoms be alarmed! Your spiritual health is in danger. Apply immediately to the Great Physician for a cure.” [Gospel Herald/Dr. Payson].
In the book of Hosea, the word, “return” is mentioned 15 times. Living without God is very unwise, and counterproductive, to living a meaningful, balanced life that will make a difference. In the Message, Hosea 14:9, reads this way; “If you want to live well, make sure you understand all of this. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll learn this inside and out. God’s paths get you where you want to go. Right-living people walk them easily; wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling.”
Former National Security Advisor, Condoleezza Rice, was raised as a Christian believer, and was trained to be a concert pianist, as well as a competitive ice skater. Her personal relationship with God took second place for a while in her life. The Washington Times reported in 2002, some of her thoughts she shared at the National Presbyterian Church. “Although I never doubted the existence of God, I think like all people I’ve had some ups and downs in my faith. When I first moved to California in 1981, to join the faculty at Stanford, there were a lot of years when I was not attending church regularly. One Sunday, I was in the Lucky’s Supermarket not very far from my house. I was among the spices, and an African American man walked up to me and said he was buying some things for his church picnic. And he said, “Do you play the piano by any chance?“ I said, “Yes.” They said they were looking for someone to play the piano at church. It was a little African-American church right in the center of Palo Alto. A Baptist church. So, I started playing for that church. That got me regularly back into church going. My goodness, God has a long reach, I mean in Lucky’s Supermarket on a Sunday morning.”
You really need to understand BACKSLIDING, so that you will be able to avoid it. Everything in this world seeks for your heart's attention. Your primary purpose on earth is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Revelation 2:4, says that you can lose your first love, namely your love for God. Somehow you may allow your heart to turn away from the One Who loves you the most. You must never forget that God created you to bring glory and honor to Him, while you breathe every breath He gives you on earth.
SOMETHING TO DO
What does Hosea 11:7, 14:4, Luke 15:4-6, Matthew 18:12-14, Hebrews 2:1, and Psalm 119:176 teach you about BACKSLIDING?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, please guard me from BACKSLIDING. Holy Spirit, please convict me when I may begin to wander away from loving You with my all my heart, soul, mind and strength. I do not want to ever be in this position. I worship You Almighty God, there is none like You. I worship You, Prince of Peace, that is what I long to do with my whole life. AMEN!