I have often said that backsliding is more like a “slow-leak” than a “blow-out”. We see someone make a mess of their life and we assume that it happened over night. The truth is that it was a process. Little by little they entertain thoughts and make decisions that put them in harms way. The sad story of Lot is a good example of what I’m talking about. Dr. Paul Chappell described it like this:
“The story of Lot documents for us the process by which a Christian places himself (and often his family) on the road to ruin. Though the Bible does not describe for us much that is positive in Lot’s life, Peter tells us that he was part of God’s family. “And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)” (2 Peter 2:7–8). So how does a just man end up in such a bad place?
Often a fall begins because of complacency regarding sin. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were renowned for their wickedness, yet when Lot left Abraham, the Bible tells us: “Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12). Because Lot didn’t worry about the sinfulness of Sodom, he was able to rationalize moving into town, no doubt for the business opportunities it would present. Lot didn’t go intending to live there permanently. The men of the town said he came “to sojourn”—just to stay for a little while—but Sodom became his home. In the end Lot’s family was destroyed because he was comfortable with sin and over time tolerated it more and more.”
When we depart from the will of God we not only hurt ourselves, we do great harm to others as well– even to those we love the most, and that is perhaps the saddest part of the story. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he is safe. So, watch your step,and stay safe dear friend!
