“Slip, Sliding Away”
“Slip, Sliding Away”
In Christianity, the term "backsliding" refers to when someone who has converted to Christianity reverts to their pre-conversion habits or falls into sin.
Hebrews 2:1
"Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away".
Proverbs 24:16
"For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity".
2 Thessalonians 2:2–9
"Satan will cause a falling away or apostasy before the Lord returns".
In Hebrews the author was talking to the Jews who faced persecution for following Jesus. He encourages Jewish believers to remain faithful to the New Covenant and not return to the Old Covenant. It does this by emphasizing the total superiority of Christ.
Jesus is both the divine Son of God and completely human, and in His priestly role He clears the way for human beings to approach the Father in heaven through prayer (Hebrews 4:14–16).
Even though we may sometimes fade away from our faith due to circumstances and difficulties, all we have to do is return to our trust in Jesus. As we maintain personal relationships with God and say our prayers, we can ask Him for guidance and help in alleviating our troubles! Nothing we ask is too great or too small for God. Although we don't know God's plan for us, we must trust that as long as He knows us, he will continue helping us! As long as we maintain our relationship with God, he will guide us toward what is good! When the time is right, God will open doors for us that will lead to the ultimate Greater Good. Through our Faith, we must stay firm in our beliefs; he will take care of us because that is the nature of God! God is a loving and just Father who extends grace and forgiveness to all who seek Him.
In Pailul Simon’s lyrics from “Slip, Sliding Away”
“Slip slidin' away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you're slip slidin' away
God only knows
God makes his plan
The information's unavailable
To the mortal man
We work our jobs
Collect our pay
Believe we're gliding down the highway
When in fact we're slip slidin' away”
“What are some practical tools to utilize when we find ourselves drifting away from God? There are three things we can do. The first is to reflect on the gospel. Hebrews 2:1 states, "For this reason, we must pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away." Meditating on our salvation will help us to remember God's character and Jesus's accomplishment. We can recall the work of God in our lives and give attention to how He is shaping us. Secondly, we can engage in Christian community. As Matthew 18:20 conveys, when we do life with others, the Holy Spirit is in the midst. In other words, we experience God's nearness when we draw near to His people. Finally, we can plan "getaways" with the Lord. Go on a walk through the park, travel to a new city, or dine by yourself with the intention to commune with God. As we utilize these activities, we will see that we are not alone or lost in this life, but we have a Friend who is beside us and guides us.”
Reference: https://thedailygraceco.com/blogs/the-daily-grace-blog/drifting-away-from-god#
