July 31

" A nd the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”"

Luke 22:31-32

Backsliding is never a sudden descent from intense spirituality to open sin. Declension is a gradual process, even as growth in grace is that which goes on day by day as one walks with God. The word “backslider” occurs only once in the Bible in Proverbs 14:14. We frequently find the term “backsliding,” though only in the books of Jeremiah and Hosea. Although these words are not found in the New Testament, we have many warnings against drifting from experiences once attained. Peter’s case is a solemn example of backsliding, and shows us how one wrong state or attitude leads to another, until at last one may fall into grave evil-doing and so bring great dishonor upon the name of the Lord whom we profess to love. Peter’s backsliding seems to have begun when he ventured to rebuke Jesus, who had just declared the necessity of going to the cross (Matthew 16:21-23). It was evidently the result of spiritual pride following the Savior’s commendation because of Peter’s great declaration as to the true nature of His glorious person. Though sternly rebuked, we do not read of any confession on Peter’s part, and sin unjudged leads inevitably to something worse as time goes on.

Thou lovest me! And yet Thy child

Is wayward, foolish, oft defiled;

Is slow to learn and dull to hold,

Quick to forget what Thou hast told;

In service feeble, seeking ease

Ofttimes, instead of Thee to please;

Thus poor my record e’er will be,

And yet, O God, Thou lovest me!