BEWARE OF DRIFTING

 ...we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away. How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? That salvation, first spoken by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. 

Hebrews 2:1, 3–4

Over the years once great seminaries and denominations have drifted from the faith. Indeed, Jude, even in the first century, warns us to “contend earnestly for the faith, which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3-4). Jude warns of three errors characterized by the way of Cain, the greed of Balaam and rebellion of Korah. We need to keep our eyes on the Word of God. It is our landmark, so to speak, that defines our precious truth.

Years ago while at Myrtle Beach with my young family, Joanne and I would take turns watching our young girls splash in water and dig in the sand. Meanwhile the free mate would do a little swimming in the deeper water. It was the first time I had experienced the extra floating buoyancy. I imagined being shipwrecked and hoping that Jaws would not find me. After a bit, I swam to the hotel lined beach. I didn't see my family, so I went to our towels by the life guard chair. They were gone! Fighting my panic, I lifted my eyes to heaven and prayed for help. At that time I realized I was not in front of the Sheraton Hotel. I had drifted a tenth of a mile.

Had I not remembered my landmark, I would not have realized I had drifted. Friends, know your Bible for in it are the words of life in Jesus Christ.

Russ Sumpson