Hebrews 2:1, "So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it."
James 1:22, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Drifting aimlessly down a slow-moving river draped across an inner tube is a great way to spend a summer day, but it's not a good practice for how we live our lives. No one drifts into godliness, but we can easily float in the opposite direction. In truth, floating Christ-followers will inevitably drift off course. Lulled by the slow, steady pull, their faith condition goes unnoticed as they drift farther and farther away from what really matters. They allow the waves of the world, the seas of society, and the currents of culture to carry them away from the things of God.
Is it possible that you are drifting right now? That's one of the greatest challenges of drifting, often times you have no idea you are doing it!
God's word tells us to pay careful attention to the truths we have heard so that we will not drift from them. In other words, the antidote to spiritual drifting is alertness to learning God's truth and intentionality to make it an active part of our lives. So, be a doer of God's word, not just a listener. Be a lively swimmer, not a lazy floater!
Ask God to show you areas of your life where you are drifting. Think back to the truth you have learned at church and while reading the Bible for example. How can you better apply that truth to your life? Tell a trusted Christ follower that you desire to be more intentional in that area over the next month so they can encourage and pray for you. Remember, to build any habit requires practice.
Dear God, I desire to be intentional and active in living out Your truth in my life. Show me the ineffective "inner tubes" that I'm using to float lazily down the river of life. I choose to get off these faulty flotation devices and, instead, become an active swimmer, applying what You are teaching me. Amen.