The Danger of Drifting

“For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.” Hebrews 2:1-4

The writer of Hebrews admonishes us to “pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Heb. 2:1). Drifting begins subtly and usually includes compromising the principles found in God’s Word. The type of movies you attend, the way you dress, the friends you associate with, or any number of other things could be a source of compromise.

Once we take the first step, Satan urges us to “do it again.” “After all,” he reasons, “nothing happened the first time.” Before we know it our attitude has changed and our lifestyle reflects the shift in our commitment to Christ.

No one is immune to drifting. All of us have felt the temptation to let our devotion slide so as “not to become too serious.” However, Jesus gave up everything to come to earth and die in our place. We have eternal life because He took the principles of His Father seriously. By His grace we are saved and set free from sin. Once realized, this should be enough to curb any notion of drifting.

Keep your focus on Jesus Christ and you won’t drift.