Backsliding

"See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God." Hebrews 3.12

There are many reasons why people turn back from following Jesus: persecution, peer pressure, temptation, isolation from fellow believers, tragedy, bereavement... After the event it is harder - though not impossible - to recover. So what can be done by way of preventive measures, when the incipient signs are detected?

Look back, look forward, look up, look down! Back at what God did for the people he loves, from calling Israel out of slavery to saving the world from sin through Jesus. Look forward to Jesus' return and the promise of eternal life, rather than the condemnation we deserve. Look up and notice God's abiding presence, to guide and to bless. Look down at the implications of life without faith and hope.

Jesus didn't promise an easy life but he promises to accompany those who are prepared to follow him, to equip us for every eventuality and to adorn with eternal significance every single thing do in his name...