DEFEAT HOPE’S FOE – DRIFTING

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, LEST WE DRIFT AWAY” – Hebrews 2:1

Maximising Destiny demands that we DEFEAT HOPE’S FOE – DRIFTING: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, LEST WE DRIFT AWAY….how shall we escape if we NEGLECT so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him” (Heb.2:1, 3). There are dangers in drifting away and neglecting the Hope of the great salvation God offers. This drift and neglect can start with the cares of this life – the constant distractions that steal time away from our constant contact and communion with God.

Drifting is “a continuous slow movement from one place to another.” Losing bearing is usually gradual and unintentional. Yet, the signs of drifting are all around us: on news stories, social media, the lives of those we know and maybe once trusted, and sometimes, our very own lives. Drifting could happen before we realise what’s occurred. Lulled by the slow pull away, swayed by other things that begin to gain importance, we could wake up one day and realise things seem different, finding ourselves in a place we’d never intended to go. Drifting, slipping, or backsliding could occur out of busy-ness, hurt, inability to forgive and move forward, indulgence in pleasures, overwhelming pressures, and spiritual or emotional stumbling.

It could be hazardous for a swimmer to drift far out from shore than intended, and begin to feel the strong tug under the waters that seeks to draw even farther and deeper. Then, there’s need to fight to gain control. Life is similar: while we fail to be aware and watch, enjoying transient pleasures, temptation pulls in the wrong direction. The riptide of sin is real and dark, and can take one under before one knows what's happened. It has been said: “Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” No one sets out to plunge into a pit of sin or turn away from what is right and true; it takes little steps all along the sliding pathway into the abyss.

Temptation is fierce. Satan waits for one wrong move. Sin crouches, ready to pull down a slippery slope, and devour. No one is immune. Without a foothold, the victim begins to lose his or her way. There are dire dangers in Drifting: 

Relationships ache: Drifting away from God produces a ripple effect on other relationships we hold dear in life, because He is Love. Without Him, all else gets dulled. Pulling away from godly influences; marriages suffer; trust fails; and fellowship with brethren breaks down. Accountability and connection with those who would encourage our walk in Christ are neglected.

Praying suffers: due to busy-ness, weariness, or being overwhelmed; causing lack of closeness with the Lord, and being more in tune to what others are saying and doing – constant media chatter – than  to what is on God’s heart for the day. God says: “Pray without ceasing” (1The.5:17).

Loss of focus on God’s Words: no longer reading or hearing; diversely distracted, or just disconnected. His Words of life and truth fall on deaf ears and hardened hearts (Mt.13:14-15).

Loss of a heart for worship: dwindling devotion and weariness in spiritual service, with ample excuses, and hearts that feel a million miles away (Gal.6:9; Heb.10:25).

Waning spirituality: spiritual things that once mattered no longer do; worldliness influences than the truth of God’s Word; compassions fade; spirits stifled; hearts are dulled; and truth is twisted for selfish motives (1Jh.2:16, 2Tim.4:4).

Although it's easier to just go with the flow, drifting can be reversed by: repenting; listening (v.1); watching, staying aware and alert (Mk.14:38; 1Pet.5:8); being strong in the Lord (Eph.6: 10-18); meditating on God’s Word (Psa.1:1-2; Jh.8:32); and choosing to stay close and remain anchored in Christ (Jos.24:15; Jh.15:5; Heb.6:19). The Lord longs to pull us back, close to Himself, and to set our hearts in the right direction. Wherever we find ourselves now, it’s never too late to restore Hope!