A thought by Christine Cane, from her book, How Did I Get Here? (p. xxiv). Thomas Nelson, Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon to buy the book.)
Drifting can be a real problem when you are swimming where there is a strong undertow and also in our Christian lives.
Christine says, "He also knew there was an even greater danger if we did."
She goes on, "No matter how good a swimmer each of us kids was, no matter how confident, how strong, how knowledgeable we were of the sea and her currents, if we drifted too far, then drowning was the real threat.
"As the old saying goes, 'It’s the strong swimmers who drown.' Dad understood the meaning of this saying all too well: those you think would never drown, could never drown, are the least likely to drown, are actually the ones who do. Those who think they are impervious to the power of the water and take the risky chances that a novice never would are more likely to perish. And once they start drowning, they are just like everyone else, helpless to survive. Despite how fit they may be, they have no control over their actions. They cannot stop drowning or perform voluntary movements like waving for help, moving toward a rescuer, or reaching out for a life ring. Because of that, drowning is almost always deceptively quiet.
"Just like drifting. Dad knew one could lead to the other, so he first did all he could to keep us from drifting."
She continues, "So did the writer of Hebrews.
"Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Heb. 2:1–4 ESV, emphasis mine)"
She then says, "Pay attention. Lest you drift. The writer was speaking to all of us, knowing that any of us at any stage of life could find ourselves in a place we never intended to be.
"When we begin to drift in any area of our lives, it’s subtle. Hardly even noticeable. Barely detectable. It’s not a deliberate step we take but more like a gradual slip. Perhaps it occurs as we make small concessions or compromises. We don’t drift because we aren’t strong or haven’t walked with Christ for many years. It just happens. But once it does, if we don’t look up and check our markers, we will be taken places we never wanted to go—emotionally, physically, relationally, or spiritually. There is no aspect of our lives that is immune from drifting and no single person who is not prone to drift.
So, let's pay attention, lest you drift. That is a very good thought for us to dwell upon and evaluate, isn't it? Yes, yes! #continuethought
Comments
Post a Comment