Just as important as the early detection and immediate treatment of cancer, is the detection of any spiritual decline, for the prevention of possible apostasy. Like cancer, apostasy gives warning signs.
There are seven signs of possible apostasy to look for:
- Loss of Appetite for God’s Word.
Just like physical food is necessary to preserve our bodies, the Bible is the spiritual food that’s necessary for our survival of our spirit (Matthew 4:4, John 6:35-47, 48:48).
God expects us to become skilled in reading and applying spiritual principles and truths that are in the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15, Acts17:11, Hebrews 5:12-14).
A loss of appetite for God’s Word, is a possible indicator of apostasy from faith.
2. Neglecting the power of prayer.
Just like daily Bible study, we need daily prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17, Acts 12:5, Romans 12:12). Prayer is the way we communicate our needs to God (1 John 3:22, 5:14-15, Matthew 7:7-11).
Prayer is the way we receive strength and wisdom for God.
We need daily communication with God to remain strong in our faith. Without it, we will get spiritually sick and eventually die (Hebrews 3:5-12, 6:1-6, 10: 23-31).
3. Failure to commune with fellow believers.
The first century’s priority was to come together and commune with each other (Acts 2:42, 2:46. 20:7).
There are many people who say they believe but do not go to church. They say the church is too “judgy” I say I don’t go to church for others but for God.
Having a mindset of not wanting to assemble with others, can be a sign of apostasy.
4. Non involvement in the workings of the church.
Every person’s participation in God’s work, is vital and necessary in keeping our church’s strong and vibrant (Ephesians 4:11). Simple things like helping prepare the communion trays, or cleaning the church are God’s Work. Not wanting to be involved in the work of the church can be a red flag of apostasy.
5. A Critical Spirit.
We should never have a critical spirit. Examining of own spiritual deficiencies in light of God’s Word should be key, instead of judging others (2 Corinthians 13:5-6, Matthew 7:1-3). We can not make light of the sincerity or integrity of others, to appear “holier than thou” (Luke 18:9-14).
A critical eye always discloses an impure heart. A heart that causes people to apostatize from God and His church (1 Thessalonians 4:7).
6. Lack of regard for the truth.
We must be confident and uncompromising in our faith and righteousness. We can’t compromise with the world’s evilness. We must Uphold God’s truth at all times (Galatians 1:6-10, Timothy 1:1-20, Titus 1:7-16). Lacking regard for God’s truths is apostasy.
7. Lack of spiritual concern for others.
The hallmark of being a follower of Jesus is displaying love towards others (1 Corinthians 13:1-7, Philippians 2:4).
People who follow Jesus deeply care about the needs of the people around them (Galatians 6:2, Romans 10:1. We need to care about the needs of others (Matthew 25:31-40, James, 1:27, 2: 14-17, John 3:17-19).
The world loves to judge others selfishly, with a view of personal fulfillment and self-inflation.
We should be looking outside our interests for the sake of helping and saving others. If we find ourselves judging every situation selfishly a red flag should go up.
From Pity to Praise 