It’s easier for a Christian to slide backwards than to strive forward.  That’s been my observation for many years.  The natural progression of things is deterioration.   Without special care and some kind of maintenance plan — homes, cars, families and spiritual lives will begin to spiral downward.    The good news: it doesn’t have to be that way.  That’s why we are instructed to return to our first love.   Effort honors faith.  Since most Christians don’t put forth the effort to grow and develop to their spiritual potential, we find our churches weak and powerless to change their communities.   Its easier to excuse ourselves and live in the past than to discipline ourselves to follow hard after God.   Our nature is our greatest resistant.    Paul found the answer and called it “dying daily”.