The Spiritual Retreat: When the Church Follows the World

It is a solemn truth that the church has turned back from following Christ and is now steadily retreating toward Egypt5T 217.2. While many believe the church is flourishing, the reality is that pride, covetousness, and a love for the world have taken deep root in the heart5T 217.1. This spiritual feebleness is a direct result of seeking the friendship and applause of the world rather than the presence of Christ5T 217.3.

The Current Condition of the Church

• A State of Backsliding: A course of continual backsliding has separated the people from God5T 217.1.

• False Security: There is a general opinion that peace and spiritual prosperity exist, yet grievous sins dwell among us5T 217.1.

• Neglect of Light: The testimonies of the Spirit of God are unread, unappreciated, and treated with disbelief5T 217.2.

The Root of Spiritual Feebleness

• Worldly Ambition: Many have sought the applause of the world instead of a deeper knowledge of God's will5T 217.3.

• Poor Associations: Choosing worldly associates who do not fear God leads to a lack of purity and devotion5T 217.3.

• Self-Exaltation: Ministers who preach self instead of Christ contribute to the lack of spiritual power5T 217.2.

...d with sadness when I think of our condition as a people. The Lord has not closed heaven to us, but our own course of continual backsliding has separated us from God. Pride, covetousness, and love of the world have lived in the heart without fear of banishment or c...— 5T 217.1 (1889)

The church has turned back from following Christ her Leader and is steadily retreating toward Egypt. Yet few are alarmed or astonished at their want of spiritual power. Doubt, and even disbelief of the testimonies of the Spirit of God, is leavening our churches everywhere. Satan would have it thus. Ministers who preach self instead of Christ would have it thus. The testimonies are unread and unappreciated. God has spoken to you. Light has been shining from His word and from the testimonies, and both hav...— 5T 217.2 (1889)

...n ourselves the frown of God because our actions do not correspond with our faith? Have we not been seeking the friendship and applause of the world rather than the presence of Christ and a deeper knowledge of His will?” Examine your own hea...— 5T 217.3 (1889)