SAVE YOURSELF FROM BACKSLIDING

By Rev. Michael Benson Ajayi
John 6:60,66 "Many therefore of his disciples, when they  had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?..From that  time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.  "
      At first, serving the lord is full of exciting moments with testimonies of God's goodness while we're oblivious of the challenges ahead that would come to test our faith  . God wants our needs met and beyond that He is seeking for true worshipers who will become disciples and instruments in meeting the needs of others.
        Discipleship requires standing up for the truth at all times, this requires a high level of discipline and willingness to take on responsibilities.  It is this aspect of following Christ that most persons are least interested in because it requires selflessness . The average parishioner  struggles with selfishness which is behind the crisis we face on a daily bases. Research shows that those committed to converting souls to christ and the purpose for the establishment of the church is about 10% of the population in the average church, 80% are lukewarm or part-time parishioners , while the remaining 10% are spiritually inactive, they are spectators with no interest in church activities. The scriptures says in Matthew 22:14" For many are called, but few are chosen. "
    It is the lukewarm majority  that has exposed the church to so much negative press. Out of over a hundred disciples that worked with Jesus the majority left when He demanded for a higher level of commitment from them. He was left with twelve and yet was able to fulfill His mission on earth, a confirmation that God isn't limited by follower-ship, it took one man Joseph to save Egypt, another man Jonah to save a whole nation Nineveh, it took Daniel and his three friends to change the political and spiritual landscape of ancient Babylon.It took Moses and Aaron to lead over a million Jews out of the land of bondage.
       It wasn't Jesus fault that they abandoned Him that's why no teacher of God’s word should ever feel guilty or allow themselves be condemned for the exit of persons from their lives.It is proof, that such a teacher is uncompromisingly righteous.  The fleshy nature of man is incompatible with the character of the Holy Spirit, ( Galatians 5:17) In John 6:66 the bible says" they worked no more with Him" because they were carnal  minded,  but Jesus was not deterred  neither did he change his pattern of teaching as some preachers avoid teaching sound doctrines for the fear of offending the lukewarm. This is tantamount to a college teacher giving undergraduates students kindergarten-styled examination questions for the fear of offending them with the rigors of college grade exams.This is what is behind the program-oriented churches of today. Such christians never grow in the things of the spirit and are prone to exploitation and abuse
           Whenever one feels the need to take a break from church activities, the process of backsliding is automatically activated (Rev.3:15,16) the consequences of this state of mind is that one seizes to be God's mouth piece. Persons who once we're attracted to us because of what was perceived as godliness soon  withdraw thus exposing us to fraudsters  . Immediate repentance is the cure from the adverse effects of losing one's "first love" for Jesus ( Rev2:4-5)
          It is very easy to lose sight of the heavenly goal once a person is full of his or her own ways (Proverbs 14:14). Many persons because of competitiveness have given themselves unrealistic deadlines and allowed this determine how they worship God . God isn't obligated to answer a requests whose outcome isn't of any benefit to the propagation of the gospel . Such persons have idols in their hearts, these idols compete with God for their hearts (Ezekiel 14:7-8,1Tim 6:9) therefore, when God doesn't respond to these unreasonable requests these persons take offense . God doesn't commit genuine articles to unfaithful persons (Luke 16:11)  This affects our relationships.The backsliding person doesn't believe it is profitable to live according to God's word (Malachi3:14) therefore he or she quits during difficult times ( Matthew 13:20-21 ) or wants to get paid to serve God(.John10:12-13).
       Some of the factors that lead to backsliding include an addiction to worldly pleasures and love for money (Hebrews 11 :14-15, Matthew 13:22),not being informed in the word of the Lord (Matt :726-27,1Tim1:19) .Taking offense because of the truth of God's word (Ephesians 4:18-19,prov.29:1, Hebrews 12:15) and a double-minded approach to scriptures while holding on to occultism  which contradict scriptures  (Acts19:19, Hosea 10:2,James 1:6-8). Pride and the refusal to receive correction (Proverbs.15:10,Job33:9,10),secret sins (Prov.28:13). Spending more time with church haters than church folks ( James4:4,Proverbs 13:20),always murmuring about church activities while forgetting past benefits from the church  ( Numbers 14:27-30)
          Backsliding leads to loss of sensitivity thus making one vulnerable to disaster , the lord always warns us of impending danger before they occur (Amos 3:3). As we repent and return back to the word and the church family , we receive healing Rev.3:18. As you read this now, receive grace for revival in your prayer life and the revelation of God’s word in Jesus name.
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email: michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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