We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. Hebrews 2:1 NIV
Each one of us has a nature that is prone to wander. When it comes to spiritual matters, we need to be careful of the drift. Often it’s a slow fade, and goes unnoticed at first, then one day we look at where we are and wonder how we got so far away.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. Revelation 2:4-5 NIV
As we drift, it’s easy to lose our first love. The passion and love we felt when we first came to Christ can fade over time if we aren’t careful. We need to intentionally stay close to God and allow the Spirit to keep the fire of passion burning within us. A life focused on God and actively enjoying time in His presence is one that is satisfied and excited about spiritual things. We run into trouble when we start to operate in both worlds. We enjoy living on the edge of sin, entertaining it like an old friend, dividing our focus between God and the world. But it’s easy to fall off a cliff when we’re dancing on the edge!
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:14-16 NIV
When you drift away and operate in both worlds you become lukewarm. You never completely abandon God because you desire His blessings, but you also desire the pleasures of sin. You end up some where in the middle and miss out on everything God wants to do in your life! Where are you today? Are you as passionate about your relationship with God as you were when you first met Him or have you drifted away?
Today’s thoughts are based on a sermon I recently heard by Pastor Brent Galbreath, lead pastor at Calvary Hill Church in Glassboro, NJ. You can listen to the entire sermon by clicking here.