Understanding the Danger of Losing Sight of the True Gospel
Imagine you’re relaxing in a small boat on a calm lake. The water seems still, and you’re enjoying the peace. But without realizing it, the boat slowly starts drifting from the shore. It’s so gradual that you don’t even notice until you look up and realize you’re far from where you started. That’s what drifting looks like, and it’s a perfect picture of what can happen to us spiritually.
The writer of Hebrews warns us to “pay the most careful attention… so that we do not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1). Drifting away from the truth of God’s Word doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow, almost unnoticeable process. Over time, we lose sight of the core message of the Gospel, and before we know it, we’re far from where we’re supposed to be.
A Gospel That Accommodates
One of the reasons for this drift is what some call the “gospel of accommodation.” This version of the Gospel tells us, “God doesn’t require much—no sacrifice, no commitment, no dying to yourself.” In other words, it’s a watered-down message that focuses on making people feel comfortable rather than challenging them to live out the true Gospel.
Accommodation means adapting to fit or suit others. While it might sound kind and compassionate, this mindset can lead us to lose sight of the real Gospel. The message of Jesus wasn’t about making life easy—it was about transforming our hearts, calling us to sacrifice, commitment, and a life centered on God, not ourselves.
The Danger of Drifting
Drifting doesn’t start with big, noticeable changes. It’s subtle. It begins when we stop prioritizing God’s Word. Maybe we skip reading the Bible one day, and then it becomes a week. Maybe we stop praying as often or lose the desire to share the hope of Jesus with others. Over time, we find ourselves more interested in what the world has to offer than in the things of God.
Here’s the thing: no one wakes up one morning and suddenly decides to walk away from God. Instead, drifting is like that boat on the lake—it’s slow and gradual. The currents of life—stress, busyness, distractions, or even the lure of worldly pleasures—pull us further and further away from God without us realizing it.
Signs of Drifting
So, how can we know if we’re drifting from God? Here are some common signs to look out for:
· A loss of desire to read the Bible or spend time in God’s Word.
· A diminished prayer life.
· A reluctance to give or serve others.
· Less passion for sharing Jesus with others.
· A lack of awareness of God’s presence in everyday life.
· Increased interest in worldly values and ways.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth taking a step back and asking yourself: “Have I drifted? Am I as close to God as I once was?”
Returning to the Truth
The good news is that it’s never too late to turn back. If you realize you’ve been drifting, here’s what you can do:
· Be honest with yourself: Acknowledge that you’ve drifted. It’s not always easy to admit, but self-reflection is the first step toward change.
· Repent: Ask God for forgiveness. He is faithful and just to forgive us when we come to Him with a sincere heart.
· Recommit to God’s Word: Make time to read and reflect on Scripture daily. God’s Word anchors us and keeps us grounded.
· Renew your prayer life: Spend time talking to God. Prayer is our lifeline to stay connected to Him.
· Seek community: Surround yourself with other believers who can encourage and support you in your journey.
Why It Matters
The Gospel is not just good advice; it’s the truth that gives us life. It’s the story of God’s love for us, His sacrifice on the cross, and the salvation He offers. Drifting away from this truth means losing sight of the hope, joy, and purpose that God has given us. Hebrews 2:3 reminds us: “How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”
Every day, we have a choice. We can either draw closer to God or let ourselves be pulled away by the currents of life. Let’s choose to pay careful attention to His Word and His truth so that we don’t drift. After all, the shore is where we find safety, peace, and the loving arms of our Savior.
Have You Drifted?
Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are you as passionate about your walk with God as you once were? Or have you allowed distractions and worldly desires to pull you away? If you’ve drifted, don’t be discouraged. God is always ready to welcome you back. Take the first step today—return to Him, and let His truth anchor your soul once again.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 