What comes first When a Person Strays?

Because Christians are indwelt by God's Spirit, we feel the Spirit's conviction when we sin. And we repent. 

 

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”  1 John 1:8-10  

 

But what if we don't? Is that the beginning of our backsliding?

 

No.

 

In order to ignore the Spirit's conviction, we've already moved away from God: 

 

“Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:14-15

 The move away from God may involve focusing on worldly goals (1 John 2:15-17). Or it might happen when we judge others but fail to judge ourselves (Matthew 7:3-5). And it always involves refusing correction (Proverbs 15:32).

 

Once we lose interest in seeking and serving God, we gradually lose our ability to recognize sin in ourselves (1 Timothy 4:1-2).

So let's regularly examine ourselves and ask God if we've distanced ourselves from Him in any area of your life. And, if we have, let's repent and seek Him with all of our ♥.

 

For more insights see Being Careful Not to Drift Away and  Joash: Good King, Bad King.