CAUSES OF BACKSLIDING

Backsliding as the name implies means sliding away from the love of God and consequently moving against the laws and fellowship of God. Backsliding, which is the primary reason for spiritual destitution, rarely occurs suddenly. It is always a gradual process - one backward step after another.

The major or primary causes of backsliding among many are:

1. Prayerlessness (Matth.26:41);
2. Neglect of personal devotional study of the Word of God for growth, freshness and daily strength (1Tim4:16);
3. Self-confidence and pride (1Corinthians 10:12; 2Corinthiaans 3:5);
4. Disobedience and unbelief (1Samuel15:16-23);
5. Covetousness and self-will (1Kings11:9-11);
6. Love of money and material prosperity (1Tim 6:10-12);
7. Unfaithfulness in service and ministry (2 Corinthians 4:1-2; 1Corinthians 4:1-2).

To be trapped in any or all of these things enumerated above will surely lead to backsliding with grave consequence of becoming spiritually dry having to go into the wilderness. In such state or condition, sermons and messages become dry, leaving only letters without the backing of the Holy Spirit, which will be incalculable damage to the hearers being lifeless (2 Corinthians 3:6).