“GETTING BACK ON COURSE”
17). Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 18). But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 PETER 3:17-18
No matter how far away from God you have drifted, you’re always welcome back. That’s the lesson from Jesus’ parable about the prodigal son–the foolish boy who followed a pleasure-filled path to ruin before returning to his father and finding redemption (See Luke 15:11-32). Perhaps ruin has not yet come to you, but you know that your heart has grown cool to the things of God. Whatever your drifting story, make this the day that you point yourself back to the Lord.
As with any sin, the first motion toward getting back on course is to acknowledge that you have slipped away from the Lord. Then you confess and repent, which is like turning your boat in the opposite direction and paddling toward God with all your strength. I might suggest the following strategy to employ, as you struggle to accomplish the above: Before stepping out of bed each day, give yourself to God by acknowledging, I surrender my entire life to You for this day. When something comes up that runs counter to His plan and you consider pursuing it, the Holy Spirit reminds you that you are not your own. Only God’s way will do!
Every day we choose whether to row or drift. Consciously choose to vigorously pursue God.
In the scripture cited above, Peter gives a warning to be on guard against attitudes and ideologies that would carry you away from truth. Instead, choose to paddle your lifeboat toward the Lord by meditating on Scripture, praying, and living obediently.
Practicing the spiritual disciplines keeps a heart warm toward God!
-IBC
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