“But you must continue to believe in this truth…” (Colossians 1:23 NIV)
Wait, what truth?
The truth is, we have been reconciled to God through the physical death of Jesus. Because of Hs blood, we are blameless before the Father.
“But you must continue to believe in this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News.” (Colossians 1:23 NIV)
Spiritual drift is our natural entropy. We don’ have to focus on drifting away, it happens subtly and swiftly. I can remember playing with our children in the surf on the Gulf of Mexico. We’d get lost in the waves and laughter and then look up and realize we had unintentionally drifted a long way from our towels and cooler. We didn’t have to think about moving our feet, the current of the water had lulled us along. Spiritual drift is much the same; the constant wash of the world against our frame pushes us into the the abyss of culture.
The world will always attempt to pull us away from our belief about Christ. The enemy will do all in his power to erode our faith by any means possible: distraction, busy-ness, personal drama, persecution and temptation. There are probably other means to contribute to spiritual drift as well.
This is why Paul tells us to stand firm. Plant our feet in faith. Remind ourselves often of the price paid and the position gained. Repeating these truths serve as stabilizers in our spiritual lives, but also as a guard against sin. When we are continually considering the covered cost of our transgression, we are far less likely to add to the bill.
The Catholic church catches a lot of flack for the occupied crucifix, but for me, the imagery of my beloved Savior still pinned to His instrument of death alerts me to the ugly cost of sin. It is a deterrent against my own daily onslaught of temptation and compromise.
The latest trend in church attendance is alarming. Many believers are electing to stay home on Sundays and Wednesdays and fend for themselves spiritually. I wonder how they plan to stand firm against the relentless tide of the enemy? Who will help guard them from his lures and lies? Where will they be reminded of their reconciliation and available status in Christ? How will they know when drift has lulled them away from truth?
“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25 NIV)
Lord, we recognize the constant pull of culture on our hearts and frames. Forgive us for being so susceptible to the sin around us. Guard our hearts. Set the cross before us and the world behind us. May we stand firm in the things we know for sure: the reconciliation and rebirth we have found in You. Give us the courage and stamina to continue until You call us Home. Amen.