There is difference between someone who falls because of a broken leg and one who is down as he trips over a stone. The one who tripped over a stone can straighten himself up and walk immediately. However the person with broken leg can walk only after it is cured. In the same way, there is difference between the person who is defeated and enslaved by the enemy and the one who is still fighting in a battle. The fighting person keeps himself from being subdued by the enemy. But he who is conquered, lives the lowly life of a slave. A person who sins and continues to sin is won over by sin and satan and remains a slave to sin.

In the battle between Amalek and the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua, though Amalek was victorious when Moses let his hands down, Israel won the battle finally when Moses' hands were held up steadily. Likewise, the one who struggles relentlessly against sin continues to fight on and ultimately overcomes it even if he fails once or twice. He who carefully observes the commandment "thou shalt not covet", could accidentally let his eyes wander, induced by his own fleshly desires or by satan. Later, convicted by the Holy Spirit, he confesses and cleanses himself. Such a person is neither fallen nor a backslider. Someone who considers the sewerage filthy will never like to come in contact with it. By chance if some animal shakes it's tail and causes the filth to splash on his dress, he immediately cleanses himself. Such a person would never like his dress to be dirtied again by the filth. On the other hand, a buffalo will seek the sewerage even after washed with good water. If someone who leads a Christian life after being washed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus is drawn away by his own desire and goes after what he desired, attains it and continues to remain in it, then, he or she is a fallen person, fallen in sin! If someone is baptized after removing her jewels and makes a covenant with Christ to live as His slave (in accordance to His will), but later puts on her jewels enticed by the worldly attractions, she breaks her covenant, and is therefore fallen. She is fallen down of a broken leg, unable to progress on the Christian path. Such a person is a slave to sin and is like swine which loves filth. He or she is like the senseless buffalo. God wants to straighten up such persons. God is willing to deliver them from their bondage. The Lord wishes to cleanse and make use of such persons.

The Lord who lifted up king David through Nathan would also lift you up (II Sam 12:13). The Lord who saved Joshua the chief priest from being harmed by satan by ordering those who stood before Him to remove the filthy garments worn by Joshua and clothe him with clean garments, would rescue you too (Zechariah 3:1-5). Children of God are praying for you who are in sin which is not unto death. Therefore receive life (I John 5:16).

You waste time! Don't neglect the opportunity that comes your way to rise. God sends his ministers with his words in order to lift you up. Don't neglect their counsels. You are like a pot that is marred while the potter was shaping from the clay; As the potter forms it into another pot shaping it as seemed best to him, so shall the Lord set you upright if you repent of your evil desires and deeds (Jer. 18:4-8).

The Lord showed through the following revelation what would happen to a backslider or a fallen man if he is negligent to renew himself over a prolonged period of time: A honorable man of God is washing his clothes sitting on a staircase. At that time, a backslider comes to him. Immediately the man of God takes pity on him and unmindful of the soap in his hands, attempts to counsel him. As both of them descend a few steps planning to sit together and discuss, two worldly persons suddenly appear and occupy the seats which they selected for discussion. Realizing that satan is trying to hinder, they come down a few more steps to find a place to talk. Then the backslider sees his friends at a distance and tells the man of God that he will meet his friends, talk to them and come back. The man of God allows him to go. After talking with his friends, the backslider returns. Now he looks a few years younger. When the man of God attempts to start the discussion, the backslider sees some adolescents playing at a distance and leaves promising to return after playing with them for some time. The man of God is waiting patiently. As the backslider returns after sometime, he looks younger by a few more years. As the man of God hastens to start the discussion again, the backslider sees some children playing around and goes there. As the time passes away, the man of God returns to his place. Now the backslider who returns after playing with the children, looks like a child. Therefore he is not fit to receive teaching at this stage since it will not be useful to him.

Thus that Christian backslider remained unrenewed since he neglected the opportunities given to him by God to renew himself. Beloved brother and sister, you also don't fall low by going after worldly desires and mean pleasures. God gives the fallen people time to repent. He punishes them if they fail to repent (Rev. 2:21-22). You who are loved by the Lord! Return to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; Take words with you, and return to the Lord. Say to Him, "Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips. For in you the fatherless finds mercy" (Hosea 14:1-4). You who are fallen! Rise up quickly.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20).