Are you DRAWING or are you DRIFTING?

On this Palm Sunday, I want to ask each of us a question: Are you DRAWING closer to God or are you DRIFTING away from God? You are doing one or the other.

The word DRIFT implies a gradual shift in position. Drifting is aimless; when we drift, we are carried along with no control or awareness.

The writer of Hebrews warns us of the dangers of drifting spiritually. This happens when we slip away from the fellowship of God and His children. PLEASE NOTE: it doesn’t happen all at once or suddenly, however, it happens gradually over time and happens in stages. Also, drifting is easy to do and requires no effort; all you have to do is do nothing. 

Hebrews 10:22  ~ “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” 

Saying the course, keeping our eyes on the prize of the High Calling of God requires effort and attention. This is why the Bible tells us “Let’s us draw near” ~ we need God; we need each other; we need encouragement from one another; we need accountability from one another. This is not pointing fingers or pushing one another down or judging one another. We need to be lifting each other up to God in partnership with prayer.

Do you know what a sad but true point is about society, our culture, and the times we are living? No one drifts toward holiness; no one drifts toward prayer; no one drifts toward faith, toward delight in God’s Word, toward trusting in our Savior, toward love for our enemies.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 

Satan does not tempt us toward hating God, but rather toward forgetfulness of who God is and what God has done in our lives.This happens when we do nothing at all, but drift along in our spiritual journey. The Bible warns us against this.

Hebrews 2:1 “Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” 

Lest we drift … indicates neglect, that is all. Neglect in any area of life is tragic, but in the spiritual realm, hearing the gospel message and doing nothing about it is infinitely more tragic. What must I do to fall away? to be lost? to fall from the grace of God? NOTHING!!! Let that sink in for a minute. NOTHING!!!

So if I do NOTHING to drift, what must I do to keep from drifting? DRAW NEAR!

We need each other to help us keep on the path of drawing near and closer to God. We need Christian Fellowship. We need each other to remind us of our Lord’s faithfulness, His love and forgiveness, especially as we face the trials and troubles of life. When we are weak, other believers remind us that God keeps His promises. We help one another remember Jesus, the One who is praying for us this very minute. THINK ABOUT THAT!!! Jesus Christ the Son of God Almighty is sitting right now in heaven, sitting at the right hand of the Father praying for you and I – what a powerful BLESSING that is and a GREAT reason for us to continue to DRAW NEAR!!!

But, we must remember that the very best of us – no matter how spiritual we are or think we are – we are just one step from drifting rather than drawing near. The person right next to you could be one step away from drifting totally away from God. What responsibility each of us have to encourage, not tear down; build up not destroy. God has given us a purpose and we must trust that He has GOT THIS!!!

Hebrews 10:22-25 ~  “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”  

Let’s consider the word CONSIDER. It means to give attention to; to fix our attention upon; to give continuous care; to watch over. This word carries with it the sense of deliberate and intentional thought. It involves taking the time to observe something or someone carefully. Just as we are to consider thoughtfully and lovingly our dear Jesus, so we are carefully to consider “us”, especially the ways in which we might deliberately spur one another on, stir one another up to love and good works. This requires time and effort on ALL OF OUR PART!!! It doesn’t happen automatically.

How different the church would be – how much stronger we would be in Christ and in life – if we heeded this exhortation! And notice that we are to give attention to: to make sure that we are stirred up and living for Christ – that we are loving one another and doing good works. This simply means …

• that we are considerate of one another
• that we show concern for one another
• that we meet one another’s needs
• that we strengthen one another’s weaknesses
• that we help one another through every trial and temptation.

It means that we love – love in act and not in word – that we …

• feed the poor
• visit, call, text the sick and shut-ins
• look after the orphans and the children of broken homes and single parents
• become a friend to the lonely
• give spiritual direction to the empty and those without purpose.

Hebrews 10:22 “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” 

We have this kind of access to God, we come into His presence BOLDLY. Prayer becomes vibrant when we become real. Everything changes when you realize that Jesus has already dealt with the things you’re ashamed to discuss. He is just waiting for us to start a conversation; he’s waiting for us to draw near to Him; so do so with confidence and be real with the Father. Boldness in drawing near to God is critical for avoiding divine disciple.

We need to pursue Christ and grow in grace. Are you DRAWING closer to God and growing in the grace and mercy of God OR are you DRIFTING further and further from Him?