The Cure for Backsliding

DAY 213
5-2-10
JEREMIAH 1-3


Good Morning!

“Backsliding” is one of those popular religious terms that were in vogue a few years ago. It described fallen or unfaithful Christians who left their faith; who were going backwards to their old life; or who would not progress to greater faith and works.

Backsliding is a perfect description of the people of God in Jeremiah’s time. They started off just fine until it got hard; or they got scared; or they got hungry; or they got tired. Instead of spiritually moving forward in a godly direction toward a godly destination; their bodies made it to the Promise Land, but their hearts and faith didn’t seem to make it.  They became just like the pagan nations around them.They slid backwards. They got worse. They made no progress. This seems to be the way of many of God’s people even today.

Jeremiah 3:22 says, “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.” What is the cure of backsliding? Let Jeremiah 4:1-4 tell us.
• Return to the Lord.
• Put your detestable idols out of God’s sight and no longer go astray.
• In a truthful, just and righteous way swear, “As surely as the Lord lives.”
• Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns.
• Circumcise your hearts. (Have an inward faith.)

Backsliding can happen to anyone. The cure is to stay with God; stay devoted; stay faithful; and make your life with God a matter of the heart and spirit; and not just a matter of the flesh.

I love the admonition from Paul in Galatians 5:25, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Barry