Lest We Drift Away
Posted on June 30, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” – Romans 1:20-21 (NKJV)
As I sit here, still recovering from surgery (a little over a month ago), I find myself turning many pages in my Bible, and landing on some troubling verses. Today’s punch in the face came from Proverbs and it goes a little something like this… “A man who wanders away from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16). Well, there ain’t nothing like trying not to feel guilty as I sit back and basically do nothing and still not being cleared to do what a man’s gotta do, now God’s gotta send me what some theologians have called a “solemn warning?” Geez, what’s He trying to tell me now? Best to explore this then, right? So, I’ll turn my gaze to Secularland for a moment (please forgive me).
I don’t think the expression “a slippery slope” is the best way to describe how the world is drifting past anything that resembles common sense. As a Christian, I’m not surprised because God’s Word has already told us that this present age IS coming to an end. So, if you wanna navigate through the Book of Revelation, it’s all pretty much in there. Granted, the apostle Paul gave a few hints along his missionary journeys, but basically it’s all been Jesus giving us the information. And He’ll rest upon the not knowing the day or hour when The Father is gonna make His move. Until then, we’re kinda stuck with a mad, mad, mad, mad world.
But it’s a world totally living by sight, isn’t it? Especially now, as it appears that the latest fashion statements are giving way to becoming actual personalities and those personalities, portrayed by those who should technically be rebuked, are demanding that you include them into your everyday living. It all screams “ACKNOWLEDGE ME.” Where it falls short on any common sense or decency is made up for by blaspheming God’s covenants and demanding that we accept their blatantly sinful ways. If there ever was a time to share what Solomon wrote in Proverbs 21:16 its now. But for now, I’ll redirect my gaze inward.
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1
I wouldn’t want the God of the Universe to come down heavy on me as much as I wouldn’t want Him to just let me drift away. Sometimes chastening is a good reminder that El Elyon still loves me, but I still should do what I can as a child of His to not let that happen on my end. Sometimes that means that what I thought was my purpose and calling in life can be just that, me thinking it. It really takes a full yielding to Him to have clarity on what His purpose and calling is on my life. Grandfather sounds like a pretty decent purpose, doesn’t it?
I also have to mindful of neglects side effects, this means I gotta be careful to NOT become dull of hearing. I heard author John Bevere once say that “when we neglect those things that God calls Holy, we’ll treat them, and God, as common.” I’m gonna use steak as an example. I love a good piece of steak, juicy and pink on the inside, with a puddle of A-1 steak sauce to dip into. Sometimes I wish that God would serve up His Word and purposes like that. Constantly chewing on a tough piece of meat can get exhausting and boring real quick if you’re lacking the spiritual fruit of, let’s say, patience. If what we read in Philippians 1:6 rings true, we’re promised His good work will be completed when you remain in Christ… So keep on chewing, and spare the A-1 sauce.
Not everything in my daily reading is meant to be tough to chew on. I have to maintain an attitude that says that even at 60 yrs. old, I still got a lot to learn about being Kingdom-worthy. In the meantime, mediate with me as I close with another slice of wisdom from Solomons pen… “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, And do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the LORD; But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; All those who hate me love death.” (Proverbs 8:32-36)
Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, a husband, and a father. He has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy, 11/2003. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This: “God is seeking those who hear His call to a life of worship. Those who heed are those who will walk in His presence. They will know Him intimately as He will manifest Himself to them. “— John Bevere
The Daily Bible Reading: 2 Kings 8-9. You can download our 2023 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here.
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” – Hebrews 3:6