“Soul you are drifting along on the tide,
Out on life’s ocean so boundless and wide”
V. O. Fossett
When visiting Niagara Falls New York, it is amazing to see the awesome sight of the world famous water falls. Part of the experience is to see and recognize the power of water as it presses through the rock channels and over the falls. History records a few incidents of individuals going over the falls with devastating results. The guides will tell of water crafts that have drifted into the swift current and over the falls. Warnings and barriers are present there to try to keep such accidents from happening. The thought of drifting to the point of no return is truly fearful.
The same can be said Spiritually. One adrift cannot be soberly thinking of the eternal danger. Even more frightful is the thought of one drifting “thoughtlessly down to eternity’s shore.” Check often to make sure you’re not dangerously adrift.
Drifting is seen when one begins to neglect assembling with the saints (Heb. 10:25). To willfully do so is to presumptuously assume no Spiritual edification is needed (Psalm 19:13). A lack of interest is seen in neglect. God set a time for Christians to come together (Acts 20:7). To reject God’s instruction brings the warning to those adrift in the first century (Heb. 2:1-4).
A loss of interest in Bible study warns of Spiritual sickness and one adrift. It’s not a good sign when individuals lose the desire to eat. A lack of desire for the bread of life is not a good sign (I Pt. 2:2). Connected to this is the lack of interest in hearing God’s word (Ps. 119:97). It is understood that study is required to stay Spiritually fit (II Tim. 2:15; Ecc. 12:12). A meditation on the words of God is very important. Vine’s says this meditation is “to care for, put into practice” the word of God. Which points to the next sign.
Doing less work in the church can be a warning sign of one adrift. The encouragement of God to the church at Corinth was to abound always in the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58). To the Ephesians it is said that Christians are “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph. 2:10). There’s plenty to be done in the work of the Lord. Are you doing your share? Carrying your load? Please don’t become lethargic and thoughtlessly adrift (I Cor. 9:27).
What does it mean to sacrifice? Giving a smaller percentage of your income could and should be a warning. The Christian is charged to be a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). Old king David taught by example when he wanted to buy Araunah’s threshing floor for sacrifice to God (II Sam. 24:24). Araunah offered to give it to him, and he [David] said he would not offer unto God that which cost him nothing. Christians are to give in worship to God (I Cor. 16:1-3). It is to be a gift of honor (Proverbs 3:9-10) with the understanding that blessings come from giving, and you’ll never outgive God (Lk. 6:38).
Have you talked to God lately? Those who you love, you desire to talk to them. When loved ones stop talking, there’s a problem. When children cease speaking with their heavenly Father, there’s a problem. Jesus prayed often (Lk. 22:42) and taught his disciples to pray (Mt. 7:11). Dedicated Christians pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17).
Are you adrift? Don’t be thoughtlessly adrift to the point of no return! Stay focused and dedicated to living the Christian life and serving the Lord.
-David Hill
