Backsliding and Returning
By Dr. Sumeet Manakan J

The path to spirituality is not easy to walk. There are smooth rides, pitfalls, cracks, breakdowns, and more. Once a person embarks on a spiritual journey, they will inevitably encounter all these challenges on the way to spiritual maturity and growth. However, it’s true that God is faithful throughout the entire journey.

It was on my heart to encourage our Shofarite readers to reflect deeply on the topic of “Backsliding and Returning,” and hence, this post. Over nearly two decades of walking with God, I myself have experienced times of spiritual breakdown and loss of discipline and values. Yet, by His grace, the Lord has restored me again and again—reviving me with greater zeal and passion for Him.

Scripture gives us several examples of backsliders:

• The Book of Judges highlights how Israel backslid seven times, and each time, God restored them when they repented, by raising up judges.

• Samson backslid by yielding to Delilah through lust.

• Moses backslid by disobeying God’s command.

• Jonah backslid by running away from God’s presence.

• David backslid through adultery with Bathsheba.

• Solomon backslid due to his love for money, fame, and women.

• Peter backslid by denying Jesus three times.

Let’s analyze.

Why Do God’s People Backslide?

Some common reasons include:

• Loss of spiritual interest and vision

• Entanglement with the world and sin

• Personal struggles—family disunity, debt, abuse, etc.

• Disillusionment and disappointment

• A disoriented environment

• Distorted values and negative external influences—friends, media, culture

This list is not exhaustive, but these are some of the most frequent causes.

What Is the Fruit of Backsliding?

It’s sobering to consider what results from forgetting God and drifting away. Here’s what it looks like:

• Our spiritual light grows dim—or goes out entirely—and we no longer serve as effective witnesses.

• We lose our saltiness.

• Our prayers lack power and impact. Delays in answers frustrate us.

• Hell is no longer threatened by us; demons are unbothered.

• We have a form of godliness but lack power.

• We become spiritually unattractive to others.

• We gradually suffer losses—finances, relationships, health, and more.

• We become more vulnerable to attacks, including sickness.

And the list goes on…

But There’s Good News!

Scripture gives us hope. If we recognize our backsliding and return to God, He is ready and willing to heal and restore us—not just to our former state, but with a double portion of His blessings.

When we return, the reverse happens:

• We become salt and light again.

• We walk in bold witness, power, and glory.

• We live with grace and favor in all things.

“So rend your heart, and not your garments;
Return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and merciful,
Slow to anger, and of great kindness;
And He relents from doing harm.”
—Joel 2:13

May you become your very best unto God. Amen!