How to Avoid Spiritual Failure

"Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled." - Hebrews 12:15

I. Don't Be Unfriendly
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly" (Proverbs 18:24).
Unfriendly Christians are doomed to defeat. They bring reproach upon themselves and discouragement to others. Friendliness exhibits God's love. It exudes warmth, welcome, and understanding. Friendliness releases God's power. It creates a desire in others to receive Christ as Savior too! (II Peter 1:1).

II. Don't Be Unforgiving
"If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." (Matthew 6:14).
If we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us. We must forgive others in our heart although they do not ask for or want our forgiveness. We must have a spirit of forgiveness toward others. There is no room for resentment in the Christian life. Resentment is an acid that eats the container. Forgiveness erases bondage and guilt and it gives freedom to all. It brings peace, joy, love, and spiritual success.

III. Don't Be Unfaithful
"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).
Many Christians are unfaithful to God and His cause. We must surrender all to Him - giving Him first place in our lives. Faithfulness inspires confidence in others. It exhibits the keeping power of God. The faithful shall receive a "crown of life."

IV. Don't Be Unfruitful
"He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit" (John 15:5).
Many Christians are unfruitful. They never win others to Christ. Their interest is centered on material things and temporal gain. We must be concerned about others. We must help the needy, feed the hungry, and pray for the unsaved. We must care.

There is a saying, "The world doesn't care that you know – until first they know that you care." Spiritual success means winning the lost to Christ. We must witness to the lost, encouraging them to repent, believe, and accept Him as Savior and Lord (Matthew 10:27-28).