Articles
Drifting
“For this reason, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1).
This verse clearly encourages us, warns us in fact, to fight the current, never giving in to its tug. But this is the tricky deal with sin – sin is like drifting down a stream. Things do not happen instantly, so as to make the drifter aware of his folly. It is only in the last moments, the point at which we can see clear enough that destruction is just around the bend, that we attempt to fight the current. Sadly, this is too late for most people to save themselves! One writer puts it thus, “If it is any one’s purpose to go [into ruin] with the devil and his angels, it is an easy matter for him to do so. No exertion on his part is at all necessary. Like a man that is afloat above the falls of Niagara, he has but to fold his arms, give himself up to the natural current, and very soon he will be beyond the reach of mercy” (New Testament Commentary on Hebrews, Milligan, 76).
The struggle that we face is that it often takes great exertion to resist the currents of temptation. As comfortable as it may seem at the time, though, we need to remember the way the Bible describes the wind-and-wave-driven person:
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6).
“These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted” (Jude 12).
“As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
How To Avoid Drifting
Commitment is the key. Many of us are more passionate about a sports team than we are about the church.
Realize that this congregation is not just a business association, a community activity, or social club. Serving God is not in the same category as boy scout meetings, work functions, or school activities.
Avoid taking the easy way. It would be easy to let your preacher decide your beliefs. It would be easy to let your parents do all your praying. It would be easy to let your relationships disintegrate. Often, the easy way is the destructive way.
Never become lackadaisical or casual about your eternal condition. “Strive to enter by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able” (Luke 13:24).
