The Deception of Gradual Decline “Life is change.  Growth is optional.  Choose Wisely,” by Karen Kaiser Clark (The Wise & Witty Quote Book.  Allen Klein, Gramercy Books, 2005). Choices come to us every day.  The smaller the choice, the less importance it is given.  However, as we continue to make small decisions, one day the gradual accumulation of wise or unwise choices can greatly impact our lives. “I don’t love him anymore,” said Tammy.  “We gradually drifted apart.” “I’ve lost my desire to go to church,” said Linda.  “My life is more involved with family and work.” “I can’t believe I was unfaithful to my wife,” said Brad.  “How could I have broken my marriage vows?” We have heard these statements from others, or perhaps said them ourselves. These events, as well as many others, are seldom the consequences of one bad choice, but a gradual weakening of our walk with the Lord and commitments to our families. “Little foxes spoil the grape vine,” (Song of Solomon 2:15b NKJ).  The Lord warns us about the little areas that may seem uneventful, but can cause damage.  If left uncorrected, our Christian walks and witnesses are compromised, and our relationships damaged. It is appalling to see how pervasive sexual conduct is creeping into prime-time television.  What was once considered too explicit for the general public is now accepted, including homosexual situations. In a college class on advertising, the instructor told about how the cigarette companies introduced smoking to women at a time when it was considered improper for women to smoke.  They gradually introduced a woman smoking into their billboard and magazine ads.             Month 1 - A man smoking is in the foreground and a woman is in the background.             Month 2 - The woman is pictured close enough for the man to see her – she is smiling at him.             Month 3 - The man smoking is offering the woman a cigarette – she is reaching for it.             Month 4 - The woman is holding the cigarette.             Month 5 - The man is lighting the cigarette for her.             Month 6 - Both the man and woman are smoking their cigarettes. By the time their advertising program was over, there was little resistance to women smoking, and the cigarette company made a fortune. Sin is more tolerable when we gradually slip into accepting it as normal or tolerable.  Our relationship with God can’t be measured totally by our “feelings” because our walk with the Lord by faith.  However, it is good to take our “spiritual temperature” from time to time.  Perhaps these questions will help us determine if we’re on a gradual decline. ● Am I skipping my personal time with the Lord – prayer and Bible reading? ● Am I daydreaming through the church service? ● Am I missing church or Bible study? ● Am I lashing out at my spouse, children or friends? ● Am I spending time thinking about a certain man or woman who is not my spouse? ● Am I considering a quick look at a porn site on my computer?  Sin starts with gradual indifference to God’s Word.  Let us not be deceived by our slow change toward accepting what society views as acceptable. We are thankful when we see that over time our spiritual life is growing stronger.  When we see a decline, let’s not try to justify ourselves, but ask the Lord to help us get back in right relationship with Him and our families. ©Barbara Lighthizer 2006