"The Danger of Indifference" (Part 2)

We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV).

Where did the summer go! It seems like yesterday that it was the beginning of June and now we approach the last of summer and the beginning of fall! It’s strange how quickly time slips away. Perhaps it’s a part of being busy; or, perhaps it’s merely that I’ve not taken the time to note the time. I know at least sometimes it is as much the latter as anything. I think that’s how it is with our Christian lives as well. None of us purposes to drift through our lives. We just get busy and time passes; before you know it we are “adrift.”

The picture of the word in our reading is very interesting. The word is a part of the vocabulary associated with sailing. Remember that all vessels of that day were powered either by wind and sail or a crew with oars. Nothing was more feared by seamen of the day than what was known as “the doldrums.” The doldrums is a part of the ocean near the equator. It abounds with calms, squalls, and light baffling winds. There the weather is extremely hot and very dispiriting. Those old sailing vessels caught in the doldrums would often lie helpless for days or weeks, carried along by the tides and currents, simply waiting for the winds to blow.

The word “drift” carries part of this concept. It also suggests the concept of someone letting a precious treasure simply slip through their grasp. Whether it is a prized possession slipping to the ground and shattering, or a ship becalmed at sea drifting past a safe harbor, the reason for it is simply not paying attention. It is indifference. That’s the danger of this attitude and pattern of life. Hershel Hobbs and E. A. McDowell have suggested that this phrase is constructed to show the indifferent believer as one who stands near a shore with the river of abundant life flowing right by him. Instead of plunging into the river, he simply watches it from the shore as it passes him by.

The basic truth is very clear to me. The revelation of God in Jesus has come into our lives. It is His final Word. It is the ultimate expression of God’s great and gracious purpose for our lives. If we somehow allow a spirit of indifference toward this great revelation to rule our thoughts and actions, we are in grave danger of missing His purpose. And, missing His purpose means we miss the great treasure he desires for us to possess! Don’t let another minute slip by. Right now, turn your thoughts to Him!