Originally written in 2009
Backslider, is one of those words that people whisper instead of speaking in a normal tone of voice. As if the word is too terrible to mention in the company of proper Christians. I hate to tell you, but we’ve all probably been a Backslider at one point in our lives. Whether we choose to stay one is the important decision.
Random House Dictionary defines backslider as “one who relapses into bad habits, sinful behavior, or undesirable activities.” I am the first to admit that I’ve had my season or two of backsliding. Those times when it seemed easier just to fall back into my old bad habits, rather than trying to do what seemed hard – yet right. During my times of backsliding the Lord placed people in my path who would speak truth and tell me what I was doing was wrong. Or He spoke to me through Scripture, leading me to verses that reminded me that I was a new creation in Christ, the old had passed away and the new had come. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
It is when we are confronted with the Truth, the person of Jesus Christ, that we must decide if we are serious about living this new life with Christ. If we are, then we need to act like it. We need to actively pursue things over which Christ presides. Our old life is dead. Our new life, which is our real life, is with Christ in God. That means killing off everything connected with our old life: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever we feel like whenever we feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts our fancy. That way of life is shaped by things and feelings instead of by God…It wasn’t long ago that we were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better. But we know better, so make sure it’s all gone for good…(Colossians 3: 1, 3, & 5-8 MSG)
The good news is that even when we backslide we can be forgiven and healed. Jesus doesn’t want us stuck back there. He wants us right next to Him being who He created us to be. When we repent and ask Him for forgiveness He is quick to forgive. He draws us close and helps us to step into our new life (in Him) again.
Remember: You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes that you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with His label on it. (Colossians 3:9-10 MSG)
I don’t know about you, but a new wardrobe with the Jesus label sounds very appealing to me!
Until next time blessings and healing