Don’t Drift, Grow!

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Hebrews 2:1 (ESV)

Most people don’t just wake up one morning and decide to walk away from God. The real danger for most believers isn’t rebellion or rejection, it’s drift. Drift is the slow, quiet, unnoticed slide into complacency that happens when we stop paying attention to our personal discipleship.

No One Grows Spiritually by Accident

In almost every area of life, personal growth cannot happen accidentally. Strong marriages require time and communication. Healthy bodies require diet and exercise. Good finances require planning and discipline. Too many believers assume that spiritual maturity will happen automatically like physical aging, but discipleship doesn’t work that way. Scripture makes it clear that we cannot just coast. Instead, Peter encourages us to, “make every effort….” (2 Peter 1:5) Healthy, spiritual growth is intentional!

Drift Always Pulls Us in the Wrong Direction

Think about a boat tied to a dock. Untie the rope and the boat drifts away. It never moves in closer to hug the shoreline. That’s the nature of drift. So the writer of Hebrews warns us, “We must pay much closer attention… lest we drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1)

Drift is not dramatic. It is subtle, quiet, and gradual. It shows up in small choices:

• Less time in the Word
• A prayer life that becomes occasional
• Worship that turns optional
• Serving only when convenient and easy

Compromise doesn’t feel like compromise. You don’t feel drift in the moment. You only recognize it when you realize how far you’ve gotten from where you started, “that you have left your first love.” (Rev. 2:4b)

There is No Neutral Gear

We often think we’re fine spiritually because we’re not doing anything wrong, but spiritual neutrality is a myth. In your car, “neutral” is neither “drive” nor “reverse”. It is just that spot where you can idle and not really move one way or the other. That spot does not exist in your spiritual life! If you are not moving forward, you are moving backward. Peter instructed us to be careful that we are not carried away, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18a). It’s one or the other. We are either growing closer to Christ, or we are drifting away from Him. Jesus did not say, “Stop by and see me sometimes.” He said, “Abide in me.” (John 15:4a) Abiding requires attention, intention, and connection.

Drift Makes Us Vulnerable

When we begin to drift away from Jesus, we become vulnerable in ways we rarely notice at first. Distance from Him dulls our spiritual senses. Our convictions soften, our discernment weakens, and the noise of the world grows louder than the whisper of His voice. Without the steady anchor of His presence, temptations seem more appealing, fears feel heavier, and old habits return. The enemy loves to see the easy prey of a drifting believer. The good news is that Jesus stands ready to draw us back the moment we turn toward Him—offering strength, clarity, and the security only He can give.

Intentional Growth Happens in Daily Choices

Spiritual maturity is built in simple, consistent habits and routines. Small daily steps create long-term transformation.

• Studying Scripture
• Talking and listening to God in prayer
• Worshipping with God’s people
• Humbly serving others
• Building relationships that sharpen us
• Obeying the Holy Spirit

Intentional growth is choosing to live out Psalm 1 and to plant yourself by streams of living water. That kind of healthy growth produces a faith that is steady, rooted, and fruitful. Spiritual growth is a joint effort. God transforms us as we trust and obey Him. “For there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.” (John Sammis)

Don’t Let Drift Define You

Drifting requires nothing of you, but it will cost you everything. It will slowly but steadily deminish your peace, purpose, influence, and joy. The good news, is you can choose a different path! You can choose to pay attention. You can choose to grow on purpose. You can choose to draw near to the One Who is always drawing near to you! (James 4:8)

Drift is subtle and automatic. Growth is purposeful and intentional.

Choose to grow!