TITLE: ARE YOU DRIFTING?

TITLE: ARE YOU DRIFTING?

SCRIPTURE:

            “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”  (Hebrews 2:1—4 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

            The author of Hebrews warns believers to heed the teachings they receive, stressing that to truly learn, one must pay close attention. Paul wrote in Romans 10:17, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

What we learn is vital for our faith development. Faith flourishes when we attentively absorb what is taught. I am reminded of Jesus’s parable about the farmer sowing seeds in a field. The challenges arise not only from the soil’s condition but also from unseen forces that come to steal, choke, and destroy the seed’s growth. The cares of this world and its pleasures can suffocate the seed’s potential.

This warning urges us as believers to be vigilant about what we hear, ensuring that we do not drift away. The message of salvation, which was delivered to the angels, is binding. It was also proclaimed by the Lord and validated by those who heard Him.

God affirmed this message through signs, wonders, and various miracles, along with gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will. Therefore, we must diligently attend to this message and the word of the Lord to avoid straying from it.

This caution is crucial because many have wandered from God’s word. Numerous individuals who have walked with Jesus for many years have drifted away from Him. Whatever the reasons for their departure, they underscore the truth in the writer of Hebrews’s message to believers.

Paul advised the Corinthians, “Therefore, when a person thinks, `I am strong; I can stand,’ let that person be careful, or he will fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) Spiritual pride can deceive us into believing we are secure. Humility teaches us to remain vigilant, depend on God, and keep His word central in our lives.

Drifting requires little effort, and often we don’t realize we’ve drifted. I have found that dedicating time to study the Lord’s word strengthens my faith. I appreciate this reminder, as I often witness fellow believers drifting away; some return, while many shipwreck their faith due to neglecting Jesus’s teachings.

APPLICATION:

I am grateful for this warning and encouragement to focus intently on the messages I have received and learned. Sometimes, people chase after teachings that hinder their faith growth because they have abandoned God’s word. I aspire to deepen my understanding and engage in devotionals to remain steadfast when life’s challenges arise. I will strive to remain faithful and rooted in Jesus’s teachings.

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, grant me the ears of a learner and the heart of a disciple, enabling me to cling to Your truth when it is spoken. Teach me always to learn and stay attentive to the lessons You share. I ask that Your Holy Spirit continually instructs me in Your truths. Give me a willing heart that is open to transformation by Your word. I seek You daily for guidance through Your word. Amen!