October 31

Drifting

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 119:73-80 | Lamentations 4:1-5:22 | Hebrews 2:1-18 | Proverbs 26:23

Today’s Scripture Focus: Hebrews 2:1-18

“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1 NIV).

Growing up in Minnesota, I spent a lot of summer days on the lake. We used to love to take inner tubes from big tractor tires and float on them on the water. Often we would just lie on top of the inner tube enjoying the sun and the waves. If you weren’t paying attention you would find yourself drifting farther and farther from shore. Eventually it was possible to drift so far that you would be dragged away by the strong currents and have a very hard time getting back.

Drifting is subtle and it is dangerous. Spiritual drifting takes place through a series of small compromises. One small compromise leads to another, which leads to another, which leads to another. Usually the compromises seem innocent at first–we barely notice that they are making an impact on our spiritual life. But over time, the small compromises add up and we find ourselves in trouble.

The scripture tells us that we need to pay more careful attention so that we don’t drift away. Give time and attention to your walk with the Lord. Unless you do, you will naturally begin to drift away from your first love. Your spiritual fervor will be diminished and your will lose more and more battles with sin.

Usually the drifting begins by neglecting your daily time with the Lord in his word and in prayer. We get too busy with other things. We need to pay careful attention–don’t neglect the simple steps of obedience.

Drifting comes easily and is deadly. Be on your guard. Watch and pray. Don’t allow small compromises to eat away at and eventually steal your spiritual fervor and vitality.

Father, enable me to fix my eyes on Jesus and relentlessly follow him without distraction, without drifting. Help me to see and turn from the subtle, yet powerful effect of drifting. Enable me to be focused and obedient. Amen.