Every day, as children of God, we get tempted in various ways to indulge in promiscuous acts. In fact, many people are used to living like this. And that kind of lifestyle has led to some believers living under the tutelage of iniquity. As believers, we are more privileged to have the grace that restores those caught in sin unto the glory of God. But there’s a danger. That is, the tendency to fall into the same sin we can restore others from. And that has happened several times. An example is non-smoking friends getting addicted to smoking due to the influence of smokers. Man of God, you’re supposed to watch your life closely. Standing as a beacon of light (Christ) goes beyond just confessions. As much as you strive to be the light God has called you to be, be careful when handling the weak and fallen ones in the faith that come to you. Here are two simple and sure ways to watch yourself in your walk of faith:
#1 Arm Yourself with the Word
When you have the opportunity to restore others caught in wrongdoing, don’t rush to correct them. Have God’s Word for yourself as your guide. Arm yourself with the Word by equipping yourself with the teachings and principles found within the Bible. In that way, you’ll utilise the guidance and wisdom from the Word of God to effectively carry out those corrective instructions you ought to give out to such people. It is only when one has armed himself with the Word and has become strong in Spirit that he can help the weak and fallen ones.
Proverbs 3:5-6 highlights the need to trust in the Lord and lean on His understanding rather than our own. That reminds us to rely on God’s guidance as we approach those who have fallen to sin, seeking restoration in a way that aligns with His wisdom and grace.
Furthermore, the entire Psalm 119 is a beautiful reflection on the transformative power of God’s Word. The Psalmist expresses the impact of the Word on his life, describing it as a source of guidance, joy, comfort and transformation. So, you see, the Word of God is the only transformative tool in this world of ever-increasing sin.
The Bible talks about us being transformed by the renewal of our mind (see Romans 12:2). How do we renew the mind? By studying the Word of God and walking in obedience to it. That is so much helpful.
In correcting the backslidden in faith, go with the Word, man of God. Don’t just settle for feeble words of advice. Preach the Word God gives you as you approach the person.
#2 Stand for your righteous integrity
In a world often fraught with compromise and moral ambiguity, maintaining a righteous integrity becomes a crucial aspect of our character. To stand for righteousness means to uphold principles rooted in truth, justice and moral excellence. And that is sometimes difficult. If you don’t stand to live by the dictates of God, the world will try to make you live like them. But do not allow it.
When on the journey of helping a backslidden Christian back on his feet in his faith journey, go as the person to correct him, not as a person to be convinced to join their evil. Resist temptations and peer pressure.
Have you not heard of people who tried advising a fellow to stop engaging in a particular wrongdoing, and ended up in that evil themselves, or worse? That was a clear indication of a minister of God who could not hold on fast to his integrity, hence losing it in the process of correcting another person.
Refuse to give in. Hold on to the faith. Never be intimidated. Never be shaking. Don’t compromise! The Lord be your help.
Man of God, you have been called as an ambassador for Christ. You have been empowered to restore the perishing ones as you seek for the lost. Many are the dangers associated with this calling, especially the
danger of compromising and backsliding. But in all these, grace is made available through Jesus to keep us on our toes. As Galatians 6:1-2 urges us to humbly restore and support fellows who might have fallen, let us heed this call as we portray the true essence of our faith to the world around us.
