Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. (Hebrews 2:1)
We went to a church this past week called “James River” just south of Springfield, Missouri. Pastor John Lindell spoke about falling away from the faith, and how dangerous it can be. This message was truly convicting to the core. He talked about how a boat can just drift and drift and get further away from the destination. A few things can cause believers to drift, whether it’s a sin in their life that they are unwilling to let go of. Perhaps falling back in love with the things of the world, or being disobedient to the last thing God spoke to you about,distractions, etc. Everyone has different weaknesses, and unfortunately the devil knows what they are.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 1 Peter 5:8-9
I believe phones these days are a major culprit of distraction for many. I myself find myself on my phone way more than I should be. It takes away from my time, my children, and other responsibilities. It also can be extremely addictive and more dangerously, take time from the one thing that really counts, time with Jesus. It’s wonderful that the phone can track how much time is spent on it, but how often do we actually look at that and realize how much time is being wasted? Now, of course if you need to look something up, it’s one thing, but scrolling social media, headlines, and more can be searching for something that will never be found. King Solomon called it, “chasing the wind”. He had access everything he could have ever wanted, but knew nothing would truly satisfy.
I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. (Ecclesiastes 1:14)
Chasing the wind (sin, pleasures of the world, a quick high, etc.) will never satisfy, but Jesus can be our ultimate satisfaction. So if we start to “drift away” towards sin or the pleasures of this world we waste time, and get further away from Jesus, whose well will never run dry. I’ve been there and drifted, and then His Holy Spirit gently calls back, but its my choice to take heed of His voice and warning (in love), or ignore and think I know better and fall away. Unfortunately, it is still a lesson to this day, over twenty years later, but I am praying that the more I go to the One who I can take a drink and fully satisfy, the less I drift away. Maybe this be for you as well, believer. And, if you are not yet a believer, please reach out, because nothing beats being set free from sin, being forgiven, having a relationship with Your Father in heaven and do what you were made to do!
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Psalm 145:16)
