Articles
Drifting Away
For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it (Hebrews 2:1)
Drifting away from the teachings of God’s word that we embraced the day we became His child is an ever-present danger. Without due diligence on our part, we can become so engrossed in the pursuit of material things of this world that they become the most important things in our life leaving little or no time to devote to growing in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ by feeding on His word (1 Peter 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:15, John 6:66-68, Ephesians 4:11-16, 2 Peter 3:18). If we do not pay close attention, the desire to feed the fleshly appetite for entertainment, recreational activities, social festivities for ourselves or in some instances, our children, will consume us causing us to drift away. The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life are alive and thriving today and the devil uses them all very effectively to entice us to drift away from the profession of our faith (1 John 2:15-17,1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7-8, Hebrews 4:14, 10:19-23).
Lest we find ourselves drifting away from our profession of faith, we must make a solid commitment to stand fast in the Lord without wavering (1 Cor. 16:13, 1 Thessalonians 3:8). We must be diligent in always seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33); diligent in seeking things above with our mind always on those things not the things of the earth (Colossians 3:1-2, diligent in laying up for ourselves treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21); diligent in doing that which will make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 2:3-11); diligent in not neglecting the vital duties and habits that are a part of our life as a child of God ( Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:17-32, 1 Thessalonians 5:12-23).
As a child of God, we have a three-fold responsibility:
*First toward ourself. With a fervent love for God, we must walk in the light (Mark 12:29-30, 1 John 1:5-7). We must pray without ceasing and cherish the word of God letting it dwell in us richly guiding our life (1 Thess. 5:16, Phil. 4:4-7, Col. 3:15). We must actively engage ourselves in spiritual exercise (James 1:22, Heb. 5:12-14, Matt. 5:16, Matt. 7:24-27)
*Secondly, we must by love serve others, exhort and encourage others, edify and strengthen others (Gal. 5:13, Heb. 10:25, Rom. 14:19, Rom. 15:1-2).
*Thirdly, toward the church. We are a stone in the building and must fit in place by doing the work we are called to do (1 Pet. 2:4-5, 1 Cor. 15:58). We are the salt of the earth, the light of the world, a city set on a hill and must let our light shine before men that they may see our good works and be led to glorify our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:13-16, 1 Tim. 4:6).
It is my prayer this day that all of us will pay careful attention to our conduct as a child of God lest by carelessness we drift away and lose sight of that sweet haven of rest promised to the faithful.
Charles Hicks, Gallatin Tennessee
