The Dangers Of Drifting
In today’s world, it’s easy to find yourself spiritually drifting. The world is constantly shifting away from biblical values, and as believers, we need to be aware of the subtle ways this drift can happen in our own lives. Often, it’s not intentional; it’s a slow, gradual process that can catch us by surprise. Let’s dive into how we can recognize the signs of spiritual drift and anchor ourselves firmly in God’s truth.
What Does It Mean to Drift Spiritually?
In Hebrews 2:1, we are warned, “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” The Greek word for “drift away” is a nautical term that refers to a boat that isn’t properly anchored and is slowly pulled away by the current.
Much like when you’re at the beach, and before you realize it, you’ve drifted far from your belongings on the sand, spiritual drifting happens subtly. It’s a deceptive process, often invisible on the surface, but beneath the waves, powerful currents pull us away from God.
Drifting Is Deceptive, Gradual, and Easy
One of the most dangerous aspects of spiritual drifting is that it’s often unintentional. The pull of culture, busy schedules, and life’s challenges quietly draw us away from God. Drifting doesn’t happen overnight; it’s slow, gradual, and can go unnoticed until we find ourselves far from where we intended to be.
Like a lazy river that takes you along with no effort, all you have to do to drift is do nothing. Without actively pursuing God, you can easily be pulled away by the subtle currents of the world.
Common Causes of Drifting
So, what causes us to drift away from God? There are several factors, and they might resonate with your life today:
- Our Schedules. Our lives are packed with busyness. Work, family, hobbies—everything demands our attention. If we’re not careful, our overloaded schedules can crowd out time with God. Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Without intentional time with God, it’s easy to drift.
- Our Surroundings. Who we surround ourselves with influences us deeply. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” If we spend time with people who don’t share our values or who lead us away from God, we might start adopting their behaviors and attitudes.
- Our Successes. Success can be a blessing, but it can also lead to pride and self-reliance. When we achieve a certain level of comfort, we can forget our need for God. 1 John 2:16 warns us not to put our trust in material things or personal achievements.
- Our Situations. Painful life circumstances—loss, disappointment, or failure—can cause us to drift. When we face hardship, it’s easy to become disillusioned and distant from God.
How to Stop Drifting
The good news is, no matter how far you’ve drifted, it’s never too late to return to God. Hebrews 6:19 tells us, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”
Here are three ways to anchor yourself and prevent spiritual drift:
- Stay Anchored to God’s Spirit
We need to be in constant communication with God through prayer and dependence on His Spirit. When we allow God to guide our daily steps, we stay firmly rooted in our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 urges us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”
- Stay Anchored to God’s Truth
Just as an anchor must be firmly connected to a boat, we must stay connected to God’s Word. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, “For the word of God is alive and active.” Regularly reading and meditating on Scripture keeps us grounded and helps us resist the pull of cultural drift.
- Stay Anchored to God’s Church
Community is crucial for spiritual growth. Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to give up meeting together, “but encouraging one another.” We need the support and accountability of fellow believers to stay strong in our faith.
Conclusion
Drifting spiritually is dangerous, but it’s also preventable. By staying anchored to God’s Spirit, God’s truth, and God’s church, we can avoid the subtle drift that pulls us away from Him. Whether you’ve already started drifting or want to take steps to avoid it, remember that God’s anchor is always secure, and it’s never too late to return to Him.
***This blog post was adapted from a sermon preached by Pastor Jason Kimbrow at Legacy Church. Click the “Watch Sermon” button below to view the sermon in its entirety.***