Pastor Chris Russell has identified five ways God’s people can gradually slip away from walking with Christ: They get lost in an out-of-control schedule. They find joy in the wrong activities. They become discouraged in times of difficulty. They choose pleasure over worship as they prosper. They fail to confess moral failures which drag them further away from God. Our Lord gave us an antidote for this slippery slope. It’s found in John CH 15. He said, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.” Jesus then explained what he meant by remaining in Him. “When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” So the secret for avoiding that slippery slope of wandering away from a productive and joyful relationship with Christ lies in maintaining daily fellowship with our Lord. That means starting and relying on God each day; relying on His presence for fellowship, his wisdom for knowing what to do; His love for knowing He cares; and power for the strength to perform His will.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
