Hebrews 2:1 Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.
Among the followers of Jesus, theological drift is the slow, often unnoticed, shift from the teachings of the Lord toward more culturally accommodating, progressive, and worldly viewpoints. How do we fall into theological drift? We do it one compromise at a time. A little here and a little there, and before we know it, we are walking in sin, meanness, and regret.
Recently, the popularization of therapy culture (which gives people an emotional excuse to disobey God) has become a replacement for the instructions of the Lord. Those who have accepted this type of counsel are drip-fed platitudes that lead them to choose victimhood over fortitude. Psycho babble is the language that provides the victims of this trendy therapy with reasons to give up on life. By rearranging the deck chairs on their sinking ship, they find themselves drifting towards their own wreckage. Without realizing what they have fallen for, they find themselves existing with no vision and have forgotten the purpose they once strived for in faith, when they lived in the love of God. But now, they have become cynical and have slid away from the wonder of who they once believed themselves to be in Christ. Psalm 139:14a I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
The Apostle Paul warns us concerning theological drift. He taught that we are not to be pressured or compressed into a mould of this world’s image, which will draw people away from God. Rom. 12:2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. God is always up to something righteous and good, and we need to trust that He will bring us through the times of deception that surround everyone on every side. If someone has drifted away from a pivotal point that God once made clear to them, then returning to that central point should be within their resolve. Whatever it takes to stop drifting into the day’s nonsense, everyone needs to dedicate themselves and double down on the cure that only God can bring. 2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. The Lord always brings people back to His Word when victory is needed.
When we exchange the counsel of God for the world’s pseudo philosophies, we can easily become distracted in our relationship with God. When we choose the wisdom of the world, we water down the conviction of truth that once led our hearts. James 3:11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? No, we cannot get God’s anointing from the world’s doctrines or beliefs. Faith, and the maturity of our faith, can only come through the Word of God and the obeying of that Word throughout our daily lives. Living in Christ is not a fashionable lifestyle; it is an eternal commitment to our Saviour who gave His life for our eternal being. We need to establish our trust in God to the point that His leading is clearly established and beyond dispute within our hearts.
We need to find apodictic verses that establish strength within our being and declare them in prayer. 1Tim. 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. Profound in its declaration and not to be argued with, this scripture verse (if believed) will bring a soul back into alignment, confirming without doubt that Jesus Christ is Lord. For me, I know, without a doubt, this to be true in my heart, because I am a continuationist who believes the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still in motion to this day. God’s Word is alive and gives us life. God the Son is the only answer for mankind and the hope of our eternity. The world is a hopeless place because it gives out empty promises and fickle standards, which are producing an uneducable population that is voting for its own genocide as they rage and insist on being their own god. 2Tim. 4:3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
Stop breaking your own heart by leaning into the seductive doctrines of devils. 1Tim. 4:1 Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. The teachings of cults, along with the new age movement, are subtly slipping into the bible studies of the church, causing theological drift. Here a little, there a little, and a veil of deception blankets the heart, to be oblivious to the changes taking place in the body of Christ. In the name of tolerance, we have inadvertently invited Jezebel and her priests into our Christian lives and places of worship. Rev. 2:20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching, she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols.
What we practice daily becomes who we will be. We need to discipline our hearts to remain on point and alert to what the Spirit of God is saying to our hearts. As a monk once said, “Discipline is kindness to your future self.” Yes, if we remain disciplined in keeping the truth of God’s Word alive in our hearts, there will be strength in our future to recognize the temptations of drifting away from God. I do not want to become a casualty of self-destruction. We need to stay alert to what easily beats us up. Heb. 2:1 Therefore, we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. By giving a more earnest heed to the leading of God, we will be able to do what is required of our lives, and with the Lord’s help, we will do it with joy and strength.
Another top ten commentary, Norm. A great use of scripture. Thanks
Thank you, Larry.
Blessings to you and all the saints you work with.