The Danger Of Drifting

by Ian Lithgow, Innerleithen, Scotland | Category: General | May 1995

The writer to the Hebrews advised early Christians: 'We ought to give the more earnest heed to the things that were heard, lest ... we drift away from them' (2:1). This was a warning to those who had trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour and wanted to obey Him as Lord. Some little time had passed since they were saved and their initial joy may have begun to wear off. There was a possibility of letting go the truths that the Spirit of God had taught them about their Lord.

Is it the same with you? Many of us have this weakness; we enjoy something new, then some time later our pleasure in it begins to wear thin. The Lord Jesus came to give us abundant life. If the freshness of that life is lost then it is our own fault. we are told about God that 'He satisfieth the longing soul, and the hungry soul He filleth with good' (Ps. 107:9). The verse in Hebrews which has been quoted already, carries the thought of a ship that has come alongside the dock. The crew throw out the ropes to the waiting dockmen who secure them to the bollards on the quayside; this prevents the ship drifting out of the harbour when the tide ebbs.

It is possible that we may become drifters, like a ship that has been loosed from her ropes. Having started our Christian experience well, we may slowly let go and drift through life. if this is the case, do not forget that God drew us to Himself 'with bands of love' (Hos. 11:4), securing us eternally through the Lord Jesus. We can never lose the gift of eternal life because that does not depend on our holding fast, but we can let go opportunities for service and thereby lose our reward.

God has done His part in saving us and granting us many precious promises. He has given us His Word to guide us as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. We must do our part and give 'earnest heed' that is, careful attention, to the things which we have heard. De not be a drifter; hold fast until the Lord comes.

Ian Lithgow, Innerleithen, Scotland | May 1995
General