Pay Closer Attention!

Imagine being in a warm tropical climate. Sun warmly shining. Cool water inviting. A great opportunity to relax for a while. Could there be anything more relaxing than lying back floating on an air mattress or in a little rubber raft while the warmth of the sun touched the skin? With the gentle movement of the water against this "floating bed", perhaps a little nap would sound just right. However, what a shock to wake up and realize that the unseen current has gradually caused a DRIFTING AWAY from the shore and out to sea.

Though currents can be strong, they are not always visible to the eye. I remember fishing a number of years ago with a friend just off a point near our town. We would drop our lines over the side of the boat and wait for the fish to bite. However, before long my friend would say, "Pull up your lines so we can move back in toward shore." This happened several times. Though it was not felt, the current kept pulling us back out further into the water. While I was focused on fishing, we kept DRIFTING AWAY from where we wanted to be, but the friend who owned the boat was fortunately also focusing on what was happening to our position on the water.

The Hebrew writer exhorted. . .
"(1) Therefore we must PAY MUCH CLOSER ATTENTION TO WHAT WE HAVE HEARD, LEST WE DRIFT AWAY FROM IT. (2) For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, (3) HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE IF WE NEGLECT SUCH A GREAT SALVATION? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, (4) while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will." ( Hebrews 2:1-4 ESV)

We need to keep focused on what God has revealed to us through His Word. When we don't spend adequate time reading and studying the Scriptures, it is far too easy to be drawn away by other ideologies. The currents of the thoughts of men can gradually cause us to DRIFT AWAY when we fail to pay close attention.

Just as the pilots of planes and ships keep an eye on their compass as they move along to make certain they remain on course, living life requires the same kind of earnest attention. If we fail to exercise such attention we can soon find ourselves DRIFTING AWAY from where we want to be, where we are safe, and from the path that leads to eternal life. May God's Word be the compass we daily use for remaining on course.

Have a great day KEEPING THE HEAVENLY SHORE IN VIEW!
Carl

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