God Awaits ‘Backsliders’
Backsliding is a word that some church-goers use to refer to people who previously came to church and were involved, and who are not coming to church in the present.
Are you a backslider? Were you once in church and now you are not?
If a poll was taken by former church attendees as to their reasoning for not attending church now, we would all be surprised at some of the answers. No doubt some of the reasons would be rational and acceptable; other reasons would be irrational and unacceptable.
At least once a week I have someone who talks to me about church in general. Some talk about their experiences in the church and how great their lives are because of the church. Some talk about their experiences in the church and how they could go the rest of their lives without stepping into another church. Almost always they have reached this decision after worshiping, fellowshipping, and watching these same Christians (members and preachers) interact in the church and outside the church.
They’ve become disillusioned and in some cases simply disgusted with church being anything but a place of worshiping God and loving others both in the church and outside the church. For these folks, church is just another location for a group of people to come together and have a country club atmosphere, excluding others who are not like them.
As I listen to these people share their stories week after week, I have empathy for them. I have seen both sides of the fence through the eyes of a clergy and the eyes of a church member. I hear and can feel some of their experiences because I have been in their shoes at some point and time in my life, too.
To these folks I want to ask them, “If I started a church that is inclusive, caring, and loving towards all members and to people in the local community, and where the people come with one thought in mind: to worship God, would you come?” Regardless, I understand why some of these folks are not in church on Sunday morning. Their worship center may be on the lake talking to God, in the mountains talking to God, or in a quiet place somewhere, one on one with God. I understand completely their choice.
Of course there are backsliders who once worshiped in church and the church was a wonderful place. Yet the busyness of life and the things or possessions of this world clouded their mind and they moved away from the church and are not the men and women they once were in the Lord. They’ve been away for so long that they don’t think the church or even God would want them back. They are wrong. God and the church doors are always open and God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness are all awaiting their return to the Lord.
If you have a Bible, take the time to read Jeremiah, chapter one, verse twelve, through chapter two, verse two, in the days ahead. You will realize that God and his love await your return to the Lord and his people.
Find a church where you find God and God’s people doing his will and you will find a place that will keep you from backsliding. God bless you in your quest.