Hebrews: 2:1:
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”
When a ship prepares to drop anchor in a harbor, it navigates to the anchorage area of proper depth, lowers the anchor to the bottom and then backs off a bit to allow the ship to “swing” on the anchor when tides and winds exert pressure. It is vital that the ship stay within the anchorage area or “circle” so as not to interfere with other ships at anchor or those coming into the harbor. To ensure that the ship has not “dragged anchor” and lost position, a watch must be maintained that takes sightings off of fixed landmarks. All are safe as long as the ships stay in their circle. However, if a ship finds that it is no longer in the defined area, it must get underway by raising the anchor, maneuvering back to the center and re-anchoring.*
What a great analogy for us as we live out our faith! Just as ships need to avoid drifting at all costs, we too must avoid drifting in our faith walk. Drifting can be subtle, a little at a time, hardly noticeable. We cannot assume that our spiritual anchor is holding without taking those “sightings.” Otherwise, our spiritual lives or the spiritual lives of others may be in danger.
In our verse today, the author of Hebrews warns us “to pay careful attention to what we have heard”—to steadfastly adhere to the teachings of Christ—“so that we do not drift away.” If our anchorage is in Him, we can rest assured that we are safe. However, drifting from Christ and His truth allows complacency and even darkness to come into our hearts that can lead to neglecting the greatness and power of our salvation, even showing contempt for the gospel of grace.
Drifting is not exclusive to individuals for it can happen in our churches as well when the pure, unvarnished, unchanging truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s Word are no longer adhered to. Hebrews 6:19 also encourages us with these words, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” We all must hold fast to what God laid down for us: a sure foundation of hope of eternal life, a solid ground for our living faith, and a secure anchor for our lives here on earth. Let us always set a watch and never drift away!
Father in heaven, thank You that according to your plan, You gave us an anchor to hold us safe and secure in your harbor. Convict us and forgive us if we are drifting even just a little bit and lead us back to our anchorage where we can hold fast to the truth of Christ. May we never again lose sight of You, dear Lord. For Your sake we pray. Amen.
~ painting via ArtmajeurGallery
*A thank you to my husband, a 20-year Navy veteran, who helped me with the illustration.
