We must watch for the little things that creep into our lives. We can have friendships that hold us accountable. Ultimately, people do what they want to do. People do what seems to be in their best interest to do. If we want to stay with if for the long haul, we must learn to enjoy the ride.
Early interdiction is one thing.
The earlier we get to a person who is slipping the better. This is one reason why I recommend we invite every member and every prospect to every fellowship every month. This is a natural and easy way to make sure that people who are slipping get invited back into the fold. Often, just some social contact is a gentle nudge that will pull people back. We may need, at times, to confront people.