If you have been sailing, you know that plotting your course and speed is not sufficient information to arrive at your intended destination – you must also take into account the current. If we do not plan for the current, then we will drift off course. In our spiritual lives, we must also take into consideration the spiritual drift that affects us. The writer of the book of Hebrews warned his readers not to be complacent and to take heed of the dangers of drifting:

For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, (Hebrews 2:1-2)

The preceding chapter revealed that Jesus is greater than the angels and He is triumphant over His enemies. In light of His supremacy, it is incumbent upon us to focus on Jesus. The phrase, we must pay much closer attention, conveys the idea of taking hold and being on guard. This warning is a present tense imperative that signifies a continuous state of readiness alert to any danger. What may be some reasons why we fail to embrace this command?

One frequent reason why we fail to take this warning seriously is that it’s not a priority for us. We have many competing demands for our attention and the urgent matters have a way of crowding out the important areas of our lives. This leads to another common reason why we may drift away – we’re too busy. We may be involved in good things, but they’re not God things. We must realize that good is the enemy of the best. There are many things we can do, but we can’t do everything. We must do the work that God has given us to do. Finally, we may drift away from the truth because of passivity. The New Testament is replete with commands to be on the alert. We see a strong warning in the next verse:

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, (Hebrews 2:3)

The word neglect literally means to be without care and thus showing no concern. This is a picture of a careless individual who may know what to do, but fails to follow through. Neglect is the opposite attitude of verse one that calls for one to be in a continuous state of readiness and to be on guard against danger, error, or threats.

Are you enjoying the benefits of God’s great salvation? This great salvation rescues God’s people not only from the penalty of sin, but also from the power of sin in our everyday lives. God’s salvation is available to those who pay close attention to His teaching.

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University