I recently heard David Platt say, “no one drifts towards holiness.” I have observed the truthfulness of this statement in my own life. When we aren’t intentional in the way we are living, the tendency is to drift into sin, not holiness. Unless we are vigilant, we will allow ourselves to be distracted and the drifting will begin. Life is rarely static.
We are always moving in some direction. Even when we think we’re standing still, the currents of life are still compelling us in the direction of their own choosing. Unless we are purposefully setting a course, we will soon find ourselves drifting to places we never intended to go.
Drifting is a result of our inattention to the details of life. It results from living mindlessly or laissez-faire. Jim Rohn used to say, “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.” I don’t believe we were called to live a “not much” life. We were called to live life to its fullest (John 10:10). A full life is lived when we set our eyes on Jesus and resolutely march toward Him every day. Drifting is not an option, and it will not occur if only we will keep our eyes focused on our Savior.
Hurt and disappointment will happen in life, and it’s in those times drifting becomes more likely. We begin to focus on our problems instead of the only One who has the solutions. We wonder why these things are happening to us and become bitter, discouraged, and even depressed. Before we know it, we’re drifting. I don’t know if you’ve ever found yourself drifting in a river or an ocean, but one thing you quickly realize is you are not in control. Your body is moving in directions you did not intend. The only fix is to intentionally begin swimming in the direction you want to go. It’s difficult swimming against the current. Drifting is easy because it’s less work to go with the flow than swim against the tide.
Drifting happens when we cease paying attention. Nothing is more dangerous in life. Nothing good ever happened to someone not paying attention. In that state, we are vulnerable to all sorts of calamity. The disciple of Jesus must be ever vigilant. The apostle Peter tells us Satan prowls around like a hungry lion, just looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). We’ve got to pay attention.
A life spent in pursuit of God is difficult. It takes work. Spending your time being focused and intentional isn’t the easiest path. Drifting is a lot more relaxing. But we weren’t put here to be impacted by life. As ambassadors of Christ, we are commissioned to impact the world for His glory (Matthew 28:19). Don’t spend your life drifting. Be vigilant. Set your eyes on Jesus and keep them there. Do the work. Live for Him. This is the life for which you were created. Ask God to give you the strength to get up and start swimming. Drifting is a pitiful way to live. Be intentional and be victorious.