Backsliding Is No Joke

Ruth 1

The Story

Naomi and her family moved to the land of Moab because of a famine in Bethlehem in Judah. After sometimes, Elimelech, her husband died there. Later, her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, decided to take wives of the women of Moab, Orpah and Ruth. The family dwelled in Moab for about 10 years. Then her two sons also died.

Naomi heard of God's providence in Judah and made up her mind to return. Orpah decided to stay with her family in Moab. Only Ruth willingly followed Naomi back to Bethlehem in Judah.

Lessons

• In the time of prosperity, many christians forget about God. They seek after worldly gains and totally ignore God. Some even venture into places where there is no opportunity to worship God and fellowship with other believers.
• In the time of adversity, many christians also forget about God. They work hard for a living and totally ignore God. And they just can't spend their precious time worshiping God or have fellowship with other believers.
• Backsliding is no joke. Elimelech died in Moab. Mahlon and Chilion died in Moab 10 years later. And Orpah decided to leave the faith. Backsliding affects the whole family.
• Backsliding is no joke. Naomi went out happy and cheerful, but returned with bitterness and anger.
• Backsliding is no joke. God was patient and kind to Naomi and Ruth, and spared them their lives. God even brought them back to Judah, the House of God. But Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion and Orpah were left with their hearts hardened and ultimately perished in Moab.
• Backsliding is no joke. A little never mind, a little breaking of the law of God.... and our heart may be slowly hardened, and ultimately left to perish in our sins.
  

Remember Naomi and her family.