Many New York Jets fans entered the 2024 season cautiously optimistic about their team’s chances to launch a successful campaign.
Although there was no denying the fact that the Jets had a talented roster on paper, questions lingered around two of the primary pieces on offense: quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Mike Williams.
Rodgers and Williams cemented themselves as quality players in the NFL through their past performances. Still, they were also attempting to make a return from season-ending injuries in 2023, making it unclear if they would ever fully return to the form that once characterized their performances.
Week one started rough for both of these players. Facing a tough San Francisco defense, Rodgers completed 13-of-21 passes for just 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Williams, for his part, was not targeted a single time in limited action.
Game two saw a slight improvement for each player, as Rodgers threw for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while Williams caught his first pass in a win over the Titans.
Fortunately for those optimistic Jets fans, Thursday night was another step forward for both players.
In their best performance since returning from serious injuries, Rodgers was 27-of-35 through the air with 281 yards and two touchdowns, while Williams chipped in three receptions for 34 yards in the team’s victory over New England.
As slow as the season may have started for Rodgers and Williams, it is great that they both appear to be returning to form as the year progresses. They have not given in to discouragement but have continued to work diligently to get back to the level at which they desire to perform.
As followers of Jesus, we all have gone through seasons when we are not “playing” the way we desire in our spiritual lives.
If we aren’t careful and intentional, a period characterized by passion, zeal, and obedience to the Lord can quickly give way to apathy and sinful patterns of living.
The Bible uses the term “backsliding” to describe someone drifting away from obedience and commitment after they previously demonstrated faithfulness and passion.
There is no getting around the fact that God is not pleased when His people backslide, failing to mature and progress in their love, character, and obedience.
In Revelation 2:4-5a (ESV), Jesus rebukes the church in Ephesus for its backsliding by saying, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
The Lord likewise rebuked His people in the Old Testament for their backsliding, saying in Jeremiah 2:19 (NKJV), “‘Your own wickedness will correct you, And your backslidings will rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing That you have forsaken the LORD your God, And the fear of Me is not in you,’ Says the Lord GOD of hosts.”
Backsliding is a significant problem, and we must repent if we have given way to it. God expects us to demonstrate zeal in following Him and consistently grow in our character and holiness.
But even though we must acknowledge that backsliding is very sinful, the good news is that we do not have to stay stuck in that state. God Himself has said that He is willing and able to help us “return to form” when we have gone astray.
Shortly after rebuking His people for backsliding in Jeremiah 2, God speaks to the same people in Jeremiah 3:22a (NIV) by saying, “Return, faithless people; I will cure you of backsliding.”
Praise God that there is forgiveness in Christ for the backsliding that we have done. But praise Him even more because He has said when we turn to Him in repentance and humility, He will help cure us of our backsliding.
This should be amazing news for anyone who has felt like they have been drifting away in a particular area of their Christian walk. Yes, your sin is genuine, and it is something of which you must repent. But God’s goodness and mercy are just as real, and there is hope for you to not only “return to form” but to progress to new heights.
Today, let’s confess if we have been guilty of backsliding in our faith. Once we have done so, let us turn to God and cry out to Him for help as we grow in our passion and obedience, knowing that He stands ready to cure us for His glory.
I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the times when I have been guilty of backsliding in my walk with You. Please give me strength and help to live a life characterized by ever-increasing zeal and holiness as I follow You. Thank you for being faithful in helping me when I am going astray. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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