The parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15.11-31) serves as God’s pattern for a backsliding Christian who chooses to return to his father’s house. For those who don’t know the story, here’s what happened:
- The son weakly yielded to temptations to enjoy worldly pleasures
- In time he saw the error of his ways and returned
- The father received the returning son with joy
- The son’s brother felt that the father’s attitude wasn’t fair to him
What can cause a Christian to backslide?
- Dissatisfaction with Christian life vs worldly pursuits
- Jealousies, criticism or other discomforts with or from other Christians
- A painful event in a Christian context (aka a “test”)
- Failure to be fed via Bible reading, fellowship, anointed teaching or other inputs.
How to remedy a backslide?
- Pray expressing your repentance to God and asking for his help in the process
- Find a way to get fed (Bible reading, fellowship, anointed teaching or other inputs)
- Eliminate sources of temptation from your life (eg. television, pornography, drinking buddies, etc.)
- Diligently “lay up for yourself treasures in heaven” (“There will your heart be also”)
The Price of Prosperity
Thank God for the United States of America! But oh, how difficult it can be to be spiritual in this great country with so much MATERIAL blessing! I tend to be a very entrepreneurial person. My wife once said that I try to make a business out of everything that interests me. In my twenties I worked for my father for a time while I was also attending Bible college. Then midway through school I left his employ and started a small business on my own. What a difference where my Bible study was concerned! It was like a switch was flipped… i.e. OFF for the Bible! My every thought was for my new business. It became a valuable lesson, and to be honest, it’s one that I still struggle with sometimes. “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”