7 Practical Ways to Stop Backsliding in Your Faith

Are you struggling to maintain your progress and wondering how to stop backsliding? You’re not alone! Many of us have experienced the frustrating cycle of making progress with our walk with God, only to fall back into old habits and patterns.

Backsliding can be a discouraging and demotivating experience, leaving us feeling like we’ve failed or aren’t good enough. However, with the right strategies, such as setting clear boundaries, seeking accountability, and practising mindfulness, we can overcome backsliding and continue moving forward.

In this article, we’ll see 7 practical ways on how to stop backsliding and get back on track. From setting clear goals to seeking accountability, we’ll provide you with specific actions you can take to overcome setbacks and maintain momentum. Whether you’re struggling with spiritual, moral, or behavioural backsliding, these tips will equip you with the tools you need to overcome and move forward.

1. Set Clear Goals and Reminders

You know that feeling when you’re driving somewhere new, and your GPS keeps recalculating because you missed a turn? That’s what it’s like when we don’t have clear goals. When it comes to how to stop backsliding, setting clear, specific goals is like programming your personal GPS. It keeps you on track, even when life tries to reroute you.

Start by getting SMART about your goals. Make them Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of a vague goal like “be healthier,” try “Walk for 30 minutes every day after work for the next month.” See the difference? The specific goal gives you a clear action, a measurable target, and a timeframe. It’s like having turn-by-turn directions for your personal growth journey.

But here’s the thing: even with a clear destination, we can get distracted. That’s where reminders come in. In the Bible, God often instructed His people to set up reminders. In Joshua 4:6-7, after crossing the Jordan River, Joshua told the Israelites to set up stones as a memorial. He said, “In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them… These stones are a memorial to the people of Israel forever.” Like those stones, set up reminders that speak to your heart.

Maybe it’s a sticky note on your mirror with your goal or a quote that inspires you. Or set alarms on your phone with encouraging messages. Every time you see these reminders, it’s like your own personal cheering squad, saying, “Hey, remember that great thing you’re working towards? Keep going!” By combining clear goals with consistent reminders, you create a powerful strategy for how to stop backsliding and stay on your chosen path.

2. Create a Support System

Have you ever tried to move a heavy piece of furniture by yourself? It’s tough, right? But with a friend or two, suddenly it’s manageable. The same principle applies when figuring out how to stop backsliding. A strong support system can make the weight of your challenges feel lighter and your victories even sweeter.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, wise King Solomon wrote, “Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). This isn’t just good advice; it’s a blueprint for success. When you’re working on personal growth, there will be times you stumble. Having people who can lift you up, dust you off, and remind you of your strength is invaluable.

So, how do you build this support system? Start with the people closest to you—friends, family, or your faith community. Share your goals with them. Be vulnerable about your struggles. You might be surprised how many people relate to your journey and want to cheer you on. But don’t stop there. Look for groups or communities aligned with your goals. If you’re aiming to eat healthier, join a local cooking class or an online healthy eating forum. If you’re working on a spiritual goal, consider a Bible study group.

Remember, your support system isn’t just for when you backslide. They’re there to celebrate your wins too! In Romans 12:15, Paul encourages us to “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” When you share your victories, no matter how small, your support system amplifies your joy. This positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in how to stop backsliding. It reminds you of the goodness that comes from staying on track, making it easier to resist old habits.

3. Practice Self-Care

In our hustle-and-grind world, self-care often gets a bad rap. Some see it as selfish or a luxury. But when it comes to how to stop backsliding, self-care isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Think of the instructions flight attendants give: “In case of an emergency, secure your own oxygen mask first before helping others.” Why? Because if you run out of air, you can’t help anyone else.

Self-care is your spiritual, emotional, and physical oxygen mask. It’s not about expensive spa days (though those are nice!). It’s about consistently nurturing your whole self. In Mark 12:31, Jesus says the second greatest commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Notice that loving yourself is assumed. It’s the baseline for how we’re supposed to love others. So, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s obedience to God’s command!

So, what does effective self-care look like in the context of how to stop backsliding? First, it’s about rest. In the creation story, God worked for six days and then rested on the seventh, setting a pattern for us. Rest isn’t laziness; it’s restoration. Schedule regular downtime, whether it’s a weekly Sabbath, daily meditation, or just unplugging from devices an hour before bed. Rest recharges you, making you more resilient against old habits.

Self-care also means nourishing your body and mind. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… Therefore honor God with your bodies.” Fuel your body with nutritious foods, regular movement, and enough sleep. Feed your mind with content that aligns with your goals—books, podcasts, or uplifting conversations.

Lastly, self-care involves self-compassion. Remember the prodigal son in Luke 15? After backsliding big time, he returns home expecting judgment. Instead, his father runs to him with compassion. When you stumble (and you will), resist the urge to berate yourself. Speak to yourself as God does—with love, forgiveness, and encouragement to get back up.

By prioritizing self-care, you’re not just being kind to yourself; you’re building resilience. You’re less likely to backslide when you’re rested, nourished, and compassionate with yourself. It’s like tending the soil in your personal growth garden. Healthy soil supports strong, resilient plants that can weather life’s storms. So, make self-care a non-negotiable part of your strategy for how to stop backsliding. Your growth depends on it.

4. Seek Accountability

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to keep a promise to a friend than to yourself? That’s the power of accountability, and it’s a game-changer when it comes to how to stop backsliding. Left to our own devices, it’s easy to rationalize away our commitments. “I’ll start my prayer routine tomorrow,” we say, and tomorrow turns into next week, then next month. But when someone else is involved, there’s a healthy pressure to follow through.

In the Bible, we see this principle in action. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Think about that metaphor. Iron doesn’t sharpen itself; it needs contact with another piece of iron. In the same way, we grow sharper, stronger, and more committed to our goals when we’re in a relationship of mutual accountability.

So, how do you set up this kind of accountability? Start by choosing the right person. In James 5:16, we’re told to “confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” This isn’t just about confessing sins; it’s about being transparent with a trustworthy person. Look for someone who shares your values, someone who will listen without judgment but also won’t let you off the hook easily.

Once you’ve found your accountability partner, be specific about what you need. Maybe it’s a weekly check-in call to discuss your progress on reading through the Bible. Or a text exchange every evening to confirm you’ve stuck to your budget that day. The key is regular, structured contact. In Hebrews 10:24-25, we’re encouraged to “consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together.” Regular check-ins keep your goals front and center.

Remember, accountability isn’t about punishment. It’s about support and growth. When you backslide (and we all do), your accountability partner isn’t there to shame you. They’re there to help you understand why you slipped, pray with you, and strategize how to stop backsliding next time. It’s like having a spotter at the gym; they don’t lift the weights for you, but they’re there to catch you if you falter and encourage you to push through.

By seeking accountability, you’re not admitting weakness. You’re tapping into one of God’s designed growth mechanisms. You’re saying, “Yes, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), and part of that strength comes through the sharpening, spurring, healing power of accountable relationships.

5. Learn from Mistakes

Let’s face it: backsliding feels awful. There’s that sinking feeling in your stomach, the voice in your head saying, “You’ve failed again.” It’s tempting to wallow in guilt or just give up. But when it comes to how to stop backsliding, your mistakes aren’t roadblocks; they’re signposts. Each one has a lesson that can guide you to stronger, more resilient growth.

The Bible is full of stories about people who messed up, big time. Take Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. In Matthew 26, Peter vehemently declares he’ll never deny Jesus. Fast forward a few hours, and he’s done just that, three times. Talk about a major backslide! But here’s the beautiful part: Jesus doesn’t discard Peter. In John 21, the resurrected Christ seeks Peter out, restores him, and entrusts him with leadership. Why? Because Peter’s failure, painful as it was, taught him humility and deepened his dependence on God’s grace.

So, when you backslide, take a page from Peter’s book. First, be honest about what happened. In Proverbs 28:13, we read, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Hiding your slip-ups or making excuses doesn’t help. Instead, take a hard look. What triggered your backslide? Was it stress, a certain environment, or maybe you bit off more change than you could chew?

Next, reframe your mistake as a lesson. In Romans 8:28, Paul assures us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” All things—including your backslides. Maybe you learn that you need more rest to resist temptation. Or that certain friends, though you love them, make it harder to stick to your goals. Each of these insights is invaluable in crafting a more effective plan for how to stop backsliding.

But learning from mistakes isn’t just about analysis; it’s about application. In James 1:22, we’re admonished, “Do not merely listen to the word… Do what it says.” Once you’ve identified the lesson, put it into action. If you learned you need more rest, schedule it. If certain friends are a stumbling block, have a loving conversation about your goals or adjust the time you spend together.

Remember, God’s mercies “are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Your backslide doesn’t define you; it refines you. By learning from each mistake, you’re not just figuring out how to stop backsliding; you’re becoming more resilient, more self-aware, and more reliant on God’s transformative grace.

6. Stay Positive and Encouraged

When you’re in the trenches, working hard to change ingrained habits, it’s easy for discouragement to creep in. Maybe progress feels slow, or you’ve backslid one too many times. But here’s a truth bomb: your mindset is one of your most powerful tools in how to stop backsliding. A positive, encouraged heart isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s your fuel for lasting change.

The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about staying positive through tough times. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, he writes, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” Paul faced physical dangers, spiritual warfare, and yes, probably his own battles with old habits. Yet he remained encouraged. How? By focusing on the right things.

First, Paul kept his eyes on the bigger picture. In the same chapter, he says, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). When you’re tempted to backslide or discouraged by a slip-up, remember: this is a momentary trouble in light of eternity. Your efforts to grow, to align your life with God’s will, are producing something beautiful and lasting. It’s like planting an acorn. You might not see the oak tree today, but every day you stay the course, you’re nurturing its growth.

Next, saturate your mind with encouragement. In Philippians 4:8, Paul advises, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” This isn’t toxic positivity or ignoring problems. It’s deliberately choosing to feed your mind with goodness.

Practically, this means starting your day with something uplifting—a devotional, worship music, or simply listing things you’re grateful for. Throughout the day, have encouragement on tap. Save uplifting Bible verses or quotes on your phone. Create a “wins” journal where you record every victory, no matter how small. Resisted a temptation for an hour? Win. Got back on track after a backslide? Massive win. Review these regularly. They’re evidence that you can do this, that God’s power is at work in you.

Lastly, speak life over yourself. In Proverbs 18:21, we’re told, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” When you backslide, resist the urge to berate yourself. Instead, speak as God does. You’re not a failure; you’re learning. You’re not weak; you’re growing stronger. Every time you choose to get back up, you’re one step closer to mastering how to stop backsliding.

Remember, a positive, encouraged heart isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about anchoring yourself in God’s truths: that He loves you unfailingly, that His plans for you are good (Jeremiah 29:11), and that He who began a good work in you will carry it to completion (Philippians 1:6). With this mindset, backslides become temporary setbacks, not devastating failures. You keep moving forward, one encouraged step at a time.

7. Find Healthy Alternatives

When it comes to stopping backsliding, one of the most effective strategies is also one of the most overlooked: finding healthy alternatives. Think about it. Most of our unhealthy habits—whether it’s stress eating, gossiping, or binge-watching instead of praying—serve a purpose. They fill a need, even if in an unhealthy way. The key is to identify that need and find a godly way to meet it.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we’re given a powerful promise: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” This “way out” isn’t always a miraculous removal of temptation. Often, it’s a healthy alternative God has already provided.

Let’s break this down with some examples. Say your struggle is with anger. When you feel slighted, you lash out, damaging relationships and then feeling guilty—a classic backslide cycle. What need is the anger trying to meet? Often, it’s a need for justice or control. Instead of suppressing the anger (which usually leads to more backsliding), find a healthy way to address the underlying need. Maybe it’s journaling to process your feelings, practicing assertive communication to address issues directly, or even physical exercise to release tension.

Or consider a struggle with loneliness that leads to seeking unhealthy relationships. The need here is for connection, something God wired into us. In Genesis 2:18, God Himself says, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” But instead of risking your values in the wrong relationship, seek connection in ways that align with your faith. Deepen friendships at church, volunteer in your community, or join a small group studying God’s word. These alternatives fill the loneliness void while also nurturing your spiritual growth.

The beauty of healthy alternatives is that they don’t just prevent backsliding; they move you forward. In Ephesians 4:22-24, Paul instructs us to “put off your old self… and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Every time you choose a healthy alternative, you’re not just resisting an old habit; you’re actively putting on your new self.
To find your healthy alternatives, start by journaling about your backslides. What was happening before you slipped? How did you feel? Then, brainstorm alternatives that address those feelings or situations in a way that draws you closer to God. It might take some trial and error, but remember, God promises to provide that way out. By finding and choosing healthy alternatives, you’re not just learning how to stop backsliding; you’re transforming your life, one godly choice at a time.

Conclusion

Remember, how to stop backsliding isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about progress, resilience, and leaning into God’s grace. As Paul reminds us in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

So, press on. Don’t dwell on the misstep when you stumble (and we all do). Learn from it, apply these strategies, and keep your eyes on the heavenward call. Every time you choose a healthy alternative, practice self-care, or celebrate a small victory, you’re not just resisting backsliding; you’re actively becoming more like Christ. And that, dear friend, is what this journey is all about. Keep tending your garden, one faithful choice at a time. With God’s help and these tools in hand, you’re not just stopping backslides; you’re cultivating a life of enduring, fruitful growth. You’ve got this!

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