Understanding Spiritual Regression Through Everyday Observations
As I look around and notice the changes happening in our nation, I can’t help but think of a powerful verse in the Bible: Jeremiah 7:24. This verse paints a clear picture of what happens when people ignore God’s guidance. It says, “But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward” (ESV).
What Jeremiah 7:24 Teaches Us
In simple terms, this verse is about a group of people who chose not to listen to God. Instead, they followed their own ideas and stubborn desires. The result? They moved backward instead of making progress, both spiritually and as a community.
· Disobedience: The people ignored God’s instructions, turning a deaf ear to His voice.
· Stubbornness: Instead of seeking what God wanted, they stuck to their own plans—even when those plans led them in the wrong direction.
· Spiritual Regression: The phrase “going backward and not forward” shows a decline in their relationship with God and in their overall well-being.
Connecting the Message to Today
God’s message to Israel was simple: if you listen to Me and follow My ways, things will go well for you (Jeremiah 7:23). But as we see in verse 24, the people consistently refused to obey. This wasn’t just about ancient Israel—it’s a warning that rings true for any nation or group that turns away from listening to what’s right and good.
When we, as a society, decide to ignore timeless values and choose our own way no matter the cost, we risk repeating the same mistakes. We may see moral and spiritual decline, confusion, or a loss of unity and purpose. In other words, we move backward instead of forward.
Why Obedience Still Matters
It’s important to remember that God’s commands aren’t meant to hold us back—they’re meant to be a guide for our good. The promise is clear: if we make God’s will our compass, we’ll find true happiness and blessing. Obedience isn’t something that was only important in Old Testament times; it’s still vital today. Even the message of Jesus in the gospel doesn’t lessen our responsibility to do what’s right—it deepens it.
A Call to Move Forward
Observing what’s happening in our nation reminds me that each of us plays a part in whether we go backward or forward. Listening to God’s voice, turning away from stubbornness, and choosing obedience can transform not just our own lives, but the direction of our communities and country.
In these changing times, let’s remember the lesson from Jeremiah: real progress happens when we align ourselves with what is right and true, rather than simply following our own ways. Only then can we move forward—together.
Minister A Francine Green, April 2026
afrancinegreen.com 