Anyone that has been in the Christian community for any length of time has heard the word, “backslider”. A backslider is a person that once gave their life to Jesus, then for one reason or another, a decision was made to go back into the world. Every backslider encounters difficulty to escape the clutches of sin. Contrary to how it seems, backsliding and the immersion into a sinful past does not just happen. Backsliding always begins as a seed of desire in the heart of the backslidden.
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. Therefore if you can learn to be intentional in aborting desires before sin is conceived, transforming your mind, and living out a life of obedience, backsliding will soon become a distant memory.
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
How do I know all of this? I was once the chief of backsliders. For years, I struggled to build a healthy relationship with Jesus. I spent seven years in this heartwrenching cycle. Now that I have come out on the other side, I want to share some tips, that once implemented, will help you to stop backsliding, for good.
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 disastrous, 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”? 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.
Resisting thoughts that turn into desire 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 our minds and hearts. 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. This revelation helps us to recognize our error and ultimately desire to correct them. In short, it changes our desires.
The word of God is a dangerously effective weapon you can use to be set free. 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 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.
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.
God has a plan for your life that does not include going backward. However, to get to the other side, keep your thoughts in check, renew your mind, and be patient through your process. Don’t give up on God, because God will never give up on you.
You may download a copy of my new ebook called “God Still Speaks” at https://mailchi.mp/2f251ec838ec/godstillspeaks
I’m here praying and rooting for you.
As always,
Be Strong, Be Courageous, Serve God Wholeheartedly
Gilberta Thompson
Gilberta Thompson is an entrepreneur from the sunny islands of the Bahamas. Just like all island people (hopefully), she is totally obsessed with the beach and daiquiris :). Gilberta Thompson has an intense passion for empowering young adults. This passion led to her penning her life’s experiences in hopes that it encourages others to be the absolute best version of themselves. She is a firm believer that every young person deserves to live their best life NOW!
Truly we can fall in a cycle but coming out has to be intentional and with God in control, we can.
Truly uplifting testimony and applicable solutions.