Slow Drift
So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. For the message God delivered through angels has always stood firm, and every violation of the law and every act of disobedience was punished. So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.” - Hebrews 2:1-4 NLT
When I was in college, I develop some great friendships that I thought would last a lifetime. These were guys that I lived with, went to class with, played ball with, joined the same fraternity with, hung out with. We were in each other’s weddings (or at least attended them). We took road trips together and kept the friendships going the first number of years after college getting together for at least annual reunions.
These were guys that I loved.
But over time, the relationships slowly drifted as we went our separate ways.
Two joined the Air Force and saw the world - One now a General (retired and now a commercial pilot), the other a Colonel (retired and now a professor).
One went to work for a Pharmaceutical Company and has risen the ranks of the industry, moving when and as needed.
One dreamed of being an Athletic Director and moved from University to University as he moved up the ranks. Now he has a doctorate and is a professor at a mid-major college.
One went to work for Nestle and traveled the country as he corporately moved up the ranks.
One chose the Insurance Industry and moved as and when needed.
One became an attorney and settled into our college town.
One went to work for our national fraternity, then went to work for our University and now with another.
And me, well, I was a banker for 25+ years then a bureaucrat, now the COO for a basketball ministry
All of us got married, had families, and moved away.
Now I know that if I was truly in need, I could call on any one of the old Dawgs and they would be there for me... and me for them. I also know that any time we reach out to one another it is like we were never apart... picking up right where we left off.
That being said, we have drifted away. No longer knowing the workings of each others lives... except for a Facebook message here or an e-mail or text there, or maybe even a quick visit or a phone call from time to time.
That Slow Drift is what Paul is talking about in our passage in Hebrews.
Usually when we wake and realize we have fallen or slid away from our faith, it’s not because of one big choice to turn our backs and walk away from Jesus. It’s usually a number of small choices. A number of moments when we chose our way instead of God’s way. A number of times when we thought about praying but didn’t. Wanted to read the Word, but time slipped away.
Then the next thing we know, we’re a million miles away from the Lord. Drifted away from the One who gave us salvation, forgiveness, grace, mercy. Drifted away from the One we love... away from the One who first loved us.
My prayer for us is that we stop, take a moment and reconnect. Reconnect with Jesus, the friend who did for us what no other could or would. A friend like no other.
Stop the Slow Drift and purposely choose Jesus. His ways. His direction. His friendship. His love.
Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem
Photo by Dusty Doddridge
