The Subtle Danger
I woke this morning with the word "drifting" being my first clear, conscious thought. That is noteworthy because usually my waking thoughts are fuzzy and disconnected as I try to figure out what day it is, where I am and, more importantly, who I am!!
The word "drift" occurs only once in Scripture (at least in the NIV) and that is in Hebrews 2/1. "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away". As I pondered the implications of this waking moment, I sensed there was something of a caution or warning from the Holy Spirit. Drifting requires no conscious effort. It just happens when one stops the boat's engine or, in the case of a sail boat, drifting begins when the sailor takes down the sail and leaves the boat to the whims of the tides, winds and currents.
In fact, I recall reading some time ago that this kind of nautical imagery can be found elsewhere in the book of Hebrews: "But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. (Heb 10:38-39) I read that the imagery implicit in the term "shrink back" is that of taking down the sail so that the boat is becalmed and begins to drift.
There are all kinds of hazards on the Christian journey. The storms of life can threaten to engulf our boat. Colliding with other boats that won't change course to accommodate our direction is another. Perhaps the most subtle danger is that of drifting. This happens when, for whatever reason, we take down the sail, lose the energy of the wind of the Spirit and drift any which way.
I believe we are all prone to this dangerous condition called drifting. Tiredness can prompt us to drift. So can despair and disillusionment. Whatever the reason, the words from the pen and heart of the author of Hebrews call me to run up the sail and catch the wind of the Spirit. That's the only way I can finish the course.
