The spiritual decline has a standard template and is etched throughout holy writ. It begins with a departure from the living God. It runs naturally, starting with the backslidden believer first defiling himself, then profanes his walk with God, and lastly, violating the things that are associated with the spiritual walk: 1. God’s presence is not enjoyed as before, nor is it counted as a necessity for a successful, morally clean, biblically based life. 2. Time alone with God and his word is reduced to a chore. 3. Personal associations are changed so that our social circle reflects the new values we embrace