Christians seldom backslide by a "blow-out." It is the "slow leak" which takes the heavy toll. I mean, one seldom goes into apostasy all at once, it is a gradual process. Undoubtedly, some do not intend to do it at all, but they do anyway.

"Take heed brethren, lest there be in any of you and evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God" (Heb. 3:12). Some people think a child of God cannot depart, and the way some brethren live and act makes one think they are of that number. But inspiration says a brother can depart. God did not warn us of something which is impossible for us to do.

We do not stand still. We either make some forward progress or we slip backwards. The change may not be apparent but it exists nonetheless.

We are exhorted to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest we should let them slip (Heb. 2:1). This could describe a row boat on the shore of a stream. The boat swings with the current until finally it is drawn away and carried down the stream with it. It may seem safe but the continual pull of the current will eventually cause it to drift away. So it is with the child of God when he allows himself to drift with the world. It is a deceitful process. The result is eternal loss.

Christians must guard against carelessness and indifference lest Satan gain the advantage and overthrow our faith.

Truth Magazine, XX:11, p. 13
March 11, 1976