Depending on when you read this post, one of our members will be preaching or has already preached from Hebrews 6 reminding us that the way to unbelief is a slippery slope. Apostasy is not usually a grandiose event or, to continue the analogy, a walk of a cliff’s edge. A Christian doesn’t just wake up one day and decide not to believe the Gospel. It’s not the same explosion of a Mentos dropped in a Diet Coke. It’s more like a Coke that sits in a freezer for hours on end, slowly building pressure, until it suddenly burst. There are small steps that we take each and every day that if not carefully placed, we will find ourselves on our way to not believing the Gospel.

So what can we do to prevent such a thing from happening? What are some small steps we can take when we realize we are on a slippery slope? Well, let me try to speak as elder that has been charged with shepherding God’s flock.

1. Talk to someone immediately. This is probably the most important step. But unfortunately, it is too often neglected. As soon as you find yourself deeply struggling with a particular sin, questioning your church’s Statement of Faith (SoF), or find yourself enticed by a some teaching outside your SoF, go to someone immediately and talk to them. That may be another member, elder, or pastor. If it’s been said once, it’s been said hundreds of times by the elders of this church - “Why didn’t he or she say something earlier? Why are we just finding out about this?”

A delay in talking to someone usually indicates a couple of things. First, it indicates a misunderstanding of church membership and it’s benefits. Second, it shows the naivety in thinking you can handle “it”, whatever “it” may be, by yourself. I recognize in my own sinful heart the temptation to keep silent. But as an elder, I can’t emphasis enough the value of immediately talking to someone despite any awkwardness or embarrassment you may experience.

2. Realize this is a perilous slope. If you can be tempted to be silent then you can also be tempted to down play the seriousness of your situation. Spiritually speaking, sin disorients our senses. We think we have 20/20 vision when in reality we are blind. Apathy and indifference are two of our biggest spiritual enemies. They are not a help to nor an indicator of spiritual life. They will only deceive you into thinking that what you are believing, doing, or not doing aren’t serious nor urgent. In addition, we can be tempted to excuse our sin because of our circumstances. For example, I may excuse my neglect of properly leading and caring my wife to my “busy” circumstances. I may be busy but it doesn’t excuse me of my responsibilities.

Thus, in those moments of excuse, indifference, and apathy, you need a dose of spiritually awakening. You need to be shaken by the Holy Spirit through the word of God and counsel of others to see the danger you’re in.

Speaking as an elder, I believe these are two ways one can gain traction when they find themselves on the slippery slope of unbelief. Is there anything you guys would add?

Posted in Church Life, Devotional, Pastoral Ministry |