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For anyone that has been a Christian for any length of time, they have heard the word “Backsliding”.  

BillyGraham.Org describes backsliders as those that have been close to God, but somehow have allowed sin to take them away. 

All over the world, there are countless Christians that struggle with this dreadful cycle.  One minute being on fire for Jesus, but eventually falling back into old sinful patterns. 

How do I know?  I was once the chief of backsliding. For years, I struggled to build a healthy relationship with Jesus. You can read about that journey here.  

I spent seven wild years in this heart-wrenching cycle of backsliding. Each time I made a commitment, I would somehow find myself back to the places I promised I would never go or doing what I promised I would never do again.  

Fortunately, one day I made a genuine commitment to give it all to God, and years later, I have never looked back.  In that, I learned a valuable lesson.  Backsliding does not begin at the point a person leaves the faith; it begins in that person’s desires.

Our desires and sins are intertwined. Sin always develops roots in the place of our desires. A person that indulged in stealing, did not just decide to steal. There was first a desire to do so.  This desire opened the door to temptation, which eventually led to sin. 

But each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

– James 1:14-15 (NIV)

The Truth Is …

Every Christian has to fight against the desires of this world or evil desires.  No matter how perfect or easy their walk appears.

 This includes your pastor, your praying grandmother, and that social media prophetess. 

The Spirit and flesh are at war daily (Galatians 5:17). Did you get that? Every. Single. Day.

In order for the Spirit to come out on the winning side or for you to stop backsliding you must:

 

Evaluate Your Desires

It is important to do a heart check and be honest.  Just as honesty is important to you, honesty is also important to God.  

Take a few minutes to talk to God and listen for His voice. Be honest about those desires in your heart that will try to take you away from God. 

If you find that part of you still desires to take a route contrary to God, there is no need to be ashamed.  

Instead, continually ask God to take that desire away from you. God would much rather you bring your issues to Him than to cover it up, only for it to intensify in the long run.

Nip the Wrong Thoughts in the Bud

The mind is where some of the biggest wars are fought. It is where a person’s true thoughts and desires lie.

In order to avoid falling into sinful states, you must be very intentional about nipping thoughts that can turn into disastrous desires, in the bud. 

In other words, fight to win the wars in your mind!!! 

Not very long ago, I was smack dab in the middle of a mind war. On this day, I kept complaining in my heart. To be honest, internally I was setting up the decoration for throwing myself a mini pity party. 

Then the Lord said, “You know I can hear your heart right”? Yes, God Still Speaks!

The conviction in those words struck my heart like a lightning bolt. It was time to nip those thoughts in the bud. 

If I did not, those same thoughts would turn into a desire to complain out loud. Before I knew it, what started out as a thought, would turn into sin. Then unchecked, habitual sin.

Resist Evil Desires

Once you have identified and asked God to remove your desires and remained on guard against the wrong thoughts, it is important to remove yourself from anything that is fueling evil desires. Not gradually, but cold turkey.  

James 4:7 tells us to, Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

This makes resisting sin and the wrong desires your responsibility. 

While God works on you inwardly (your heart), your outward (actions) must follow.   

We live in a social media age where everyone’s lives appear to look like a complete fairytale.  If you find that watching the lives of others through these lenses begin to stir up jealousy or create unhealthy desires in your heart, take a break from social media. 

Remember ….. Resist! 

Feed the Right Desires

Evaluating and resisting the wrong desires is a start, however, in order to see those desires changed, reading the Bible is necessary. Reading the Bible (Word of God) on a consistent basis has the power to transform the hardest mind or heart. 

In those pages, all Christians are given a guideline on how to live life on earth. The beauty in reading these guidelines is it reveals where we are inclined to go in the wrong directions and mindsets that have produced rotten fruit in our lives. 

These revelations help us to recognize our errors and ultimately desire to correct them. In short, the word of God reveals evil desires and fuels godly desires.

The word of God is a dangerously effective weapon you can use to be set free and resist temptations. If you are struggling in a particular area, be it fear, lying, insecurity, or doubt, use God’s word. 

Grab some scriptures referencing the battle you are facing. Write them out on index cards and stick them where necessary. Read them. Say it out loud. Meditate on it. 

Whatever you do, pick up your weapon and fight back. Determine in your heart you will not backslide any longer. You will stay committed to this journey no matter how long it takes.

Do Not Give Up 

Developing a lasting relationship with God is a process and requires patience. The truth, often sugarcoated, is you will not get it right all the time. You will make mistakes because no one is perfect.

However, there is great power in repenting and getting back up from a sinful fall. Each time you get back up, each day you show up to resist the enemy, you are developing strength. You are building your spiritual muscles. 

As long as you do not give up in this process, you will begin to see God’s hand move in your heart and desires. Your desires will no longer be geared towards sin, but rather living a life of obedience that pleases God.

Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you….. 

– Jeremiah 3:14 (KJV)

As a recovered backslider, I can truly attest that God is indeed married to the backslider.  

I can also attest that you are able to overcome this desire to leave the faith and be firmly rooted in God.  Do not lose hope but instead trust that God has a plan for your life.   

Trust that as you begin to work towards building healthy desires, God will strengthen you.  

Until Next Time…

Be Strong. Be Courageous. Serve God Wholeheartedly.

P.S. If you want to read more about my journey to Christ, check out my book here!