Don't Drift

My friends and I went on a cruise several years ago. One day when we were off the boat, we found a remote beach where the locals congregated. There were several adult ladies on shore about 80 yards from the beach. They were having a pampering day with massages and food. My friends and I went down to the beach and got into the water to cool off. Soon, I saw a little girl probably 4 years old, all alone in the water. My "is this child safe, is she being watched" senses went off. I kept my eye on her. It became clear that she wasn't being watched. As I continued my vigilant eye on her, and not wanting to be thought of like a creepy lady, the little girl tired and was having a hard time staying afloat. So I did what had to be done and rescued her. That little girl was in danger of drowning because her mother wasn't taking heed of the situation. Maybe her mom was so used to the water that she forgot how dangerous it can be. I don't know. But I do now that if we neglect warnings and don't take heed that terrible things can happen.

The author of Hebrews gives us a warning. This warning is given to professing believers. TAKE HEED! Lest you drift away from the truth of the gospel. There is absolutely nothing more dangerous than for mankind to drift away from the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to drift? A google search gives a clear understanding. To drift is to be  
"carried slowly by a current of air or water or "a continuous slow movement from one place to another."  Drifting is dangerous because it takes you further and further away without your realization.

Why am I writing? Because my heart is grieved by many friends that have professed Christ and now renounce Him. We became friends in Christian circles of school and camp.   I ministered side by side with them and prayed with them. I was even rebuked and encouraged by them. But now they have nothing to do with Him. What happened? Sadly, they drifted from the truth of the gospel.

I'm writing to those who still profess Christ. I'm writing to those who maybe have become like the ladies on the shore, not realizing the danger. I'm writing to those who are drifting and are unaware of how far they have gone away.

Interesting Hebrew 2 says to take heed lest you drift away. Are you drifting away from the gospel of Christ? Hebrews tells us in Chapter 12 that we are to strive and run with endurance. Striving is hard. Drifting is easy. Striving has a goal and finish line. Drifting is aimless. Keeping with the nautical theme, the author of Hebrews says in 6:19-20 "We have this as a sure and steady anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." What keeps us from drifting is the Anchor of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is of infinite worth, and His value is beyond measure. He perfectly obeyed God. He is righteous. What love that the God-man has for us. The exchange is not fair. Christ is of more value than the universe and what it contains. Yet He sacrificed Himself for humanity. We drift away when we forget Gospel grace and Gospel love.

Why have my friends drifted away? Well, apparently something is of more value to them than the Lord Jesus Christ. They have drifted away from Him and are striving after significantly lesser things. This warning is for me as a professing believer. Katie, take heed lest YOU drift away. I must endure, or my faith is in vain. I must lay aside sin and weights that cause me to drift away from Jesus Christ.

To my friends that have renounced Christ, I love you and pray that God's grace will bring you back to Him. To my friends that profess their faith in Christ, I love you and pray that God's grace will keep you from drifting away and that you will hear and heed God's warning.