Just Drifting Along

Be Strong, Be Well — Sunday, September 20

Back in our local church youth group, we went on an annual two-day canoe trip down the Au Sable River in northern Michigan.

We had a schedule to follow for meals, pitstops, and overnight camping. Most of the time we could paddle awhile and drift some, depending on the current and obstacles we would encounter. It was fun, but it involved a lot of work as well. When dangers presented themselves, like rocks, rapids, low-lying trees, or a whirlpool, it was not a time for drifting. Paddling and steering would get us through safely.

Christians need to be constantly on guard for the dangers along the river of life. Diligent effort is necessary to make sure we don’t fall into a drifting pattern.

There may be many reasons why some folks end up drifting. Some include: growing weary in the storms of life, developing a weakened faith, or the temptations of false teaching, worldliness, and sin. “A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead” (Proverbs 21:16).

In our spiritual lives there are many obstacles. Drifting along will never get us to heaven’s shore. “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (Hebrews 2:1). —Chris