So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 (NLT)

What causes people to depart from the ways of the living God? There are examples of people having traumatic experiences, a death of a loved one, or a financial or health related crisis, which prompted people to depart from the faith. We are familiar with Demas, one of Paul’s associates, who, because he loved this present world, lost his way.

There are some departures which may appear to be sudden, but the reality is not as simple. We must ask why some people’s faith is strengthened, and they draw closer to God in the face of trauma, when others withdraw? We suspect that in many cases all was not as well as it appeared on the outside.

Spiritual drifting becomes a grave danger when Christians become indifferent to God’s word and his revelation. It does not present itself as a sudden or dramatic collapse, but a gradual, almost unnoticed movement away from the secure mooring of faith in Christ.

One characteristic of drifting is the loss or diminishment of hope. It may involve questioning the goodness of God or his promises. Hebrews speaks of this hope as it relates to God’s promise and his oath.

So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:18–19 (NLT)

Losing hope is a characteristic of those who are spiritually drifting. Be anchored in Christ.

Active Faith

But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. Colossians 1:23 (NLT)

Our salvation is a free gift from God. There is nothing that we can do to earn it. However, maturity and spiritual growth require active involvement on our part. Drifting is going with the flow, but it also means that we can only go downstream which is the opposite of what Paul declared was his goal to the Philippians: I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 (NLT)

When I was in high school, our youth group would go to the Colorado River. We would bring along inner tubes, and inflatable rafts. One year after we set up camp, they drove us upriver. We got in the water and started floating away. The leaders made a mistake in miscalculating the flow of the river, and because we didn’t have paddles, we arrived well after dark. It was not a pleasant experience.

Drifting down a river could be pleasant experience, but if we drift through our spiritual life, we will not end up where we need to be. The principle is straightforward: spiritual growth never happens automatically, but anyone can drift away from dedication and growth. We do not mature in the Christian life through carelessness or laziness.

Another translation of Hebrews 2:1 emphasizes our involvement in our spiritual growth and maturity: This is why it is so crucial that we be all the more engaged and attentive to the truths that we have heard so that we do not drift off course. (TPT). Going with the flow will never result in growth.

Stay the Course

Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 1 Timothy 1:19 (NLT)

Only a fool or a madman would intentionally run their own boat onto the rocks and risk shipwreck. However, many a sailor has miscalculated the situation or their own ability and ended in destruction. Over confidence in one’s own abilities or misjudging the circumstances have led to the destruction, not only of ships, but of lives.

It should be obvious that the remedy to drifting is power. A boat without oars or a motor can only go where the current takes it. Jesus spoke of the narrow gate and road in contrast with the wide gate and broad road. (Matthew 7:13-14). Going on the broad road requires no great effort. You can just float along with everyone else. There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Proverbs 14:12 (MSG)

God has put eternity in our hearts, but unlike Moses who refused the pleasures of sin for a season, far too many people are oblivious to the dangers of ignoring their consciences and choose the easy way rather than struggling against the tide of sin and the world.

There is a subtlety about drifting. At times when life is hard and we are aware of the struggle; we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to bring us upward and onward. Ironically, the greatest danger for the believer is when we are at rest and all seems well. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Romans 12:11 (NLT)

Finish the Race

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (CSB)

Recently, I saw a video of a runner, thinking that she had won the race, ease up and begin celebrating before she reached the finish line. Another runner kept running hard and beat her to the line. What an embarrassment and disappointment.

Do we want to win? Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24 (NLT). We are not in a race against other Christ-followers. Our opponents are the world, the enemy of our souls, and our flesh. Keep running hard. Do not drift or coast, and you will win the prize.

Steve Ekeroth