Notes From the Pastor's Desk
May 17, 2026
Why People Backslide
Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” When the things of God and Christ are not first in a person's life, he or she is on the road to backsliding. It is important to note to avoid backsliding, we have to set the right priorities, putting spiritual things first. What brings about backsliding?
I. A Lack of Prayer
In Luke 18:1 we are told to “always pray and not to faint.” We must make time for prayer. It is our channel of communication and fellowship with God, so it must not be neglected. Through it we get close to the Lord and are moving forward to grow in the Christian faith.
II. The Lure of Pleasure
James 5:5 says: “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.” People today seek pleasure as much as any other thing and at any cost. Some seek it through illicit sex, drugs, alcohol, perversion and many other things. Sinful, temporal pleasures break up homes, destroy family love, and are harmful. God's people must not be deceived by sinful pleasures.
III. The Love of Possessions
In Luke 12:15 Jesus said, “Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” Many have set their affections on things below and not on the things above. Even Christians can get caught up in the desire to have more and more things, money, houses, lands, cars, boats and other gadgets. Christ is neglected and the believer falls into temptation. Colossians 3:2 tells us to “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
IV. The Lust for Popularity
Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” To gain popularity a person seeks the approval of others. Some will go to any extreme to be popular. It is more important to seek heavenly approval than it is to work for earthly endorsement and favor. We will not lust for fame and status if we keep our eyes on the Lord Jesus. If we have the Lord's approval, that is all that really matters.