SPIRITUAL DRIFTING

In the Wesleyan tradition, we used to call it ‘back-sliding’.

It’s a hallmark of human spirituality! We are imperfect creatures with a strong inclination to do what pleases us. This irresistible tendency conflicts with the call of God to “surrender all” to Him in such a way that “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Most of us who have committed our lives to Christ are familiar with this drifting.

I’ve been worshipping for the last six years in a reformed Presbyterian environment. It’s been a challenge in many ways, but I love the people and see their desire to live lives that are pleasing to God.

Our worship begins EVERY LORD’S DAY by standing together in silence and confessing our sins. Our pastor then powerfully prays with us and – in doing so – reminds us of the many ways we may have strayed from pleasing God during the past week.

What’s that about?

It’s about spiritual drifting!

It happens to all of us regardless of our determination that we will live wholly committed to God this day or week! 

Essentially, SELF GETS IN THE WAY!

We are capable, competent, creative people! God made us this way!  Yet, we don’t get far into our week before we begin to take the wheel as a result of our ‘FREE WILL’ – which, of course, is a gift of God! It’s so subtle! We simply begin to address the issues, situations and even dilemmas in our lives by applying our best wisdom and available resources. We don’t even realize that we’ve begun to live without consulting God! We’ve drifted from seeking His revealed Will [through His Word] and His divine counsel [through the Holy Spirit].

We may not realize what’s happened until Sunday morning during that few moments of guided self-examination – led by our pastor! 

“Oh no! I’ve done it again! Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned!”

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There’s a vivid picture of this in the Bible. We find it in I Samuel 15, where newly appointed King Saul is beginning to establish his leadership legacy.

Unfortunately Saul’s spirit of independence has already been noticed in earlier chapters when he couldn’t wait for Samuel to arrive and consequently audaciously built an altar and began to sacrifice an animal on it to ask for God’s help in fighting the Amalekites.

That occasion was so offensive to God that Samuel said to Saul:             

“If you had kept the appointment that your God commanded, by now God would have set a firm and lasting foundation under your kingly rule over Israel. As it is, your kingly rule is already falling to pieces. God is out looking for your replacement right now. This time he’ll do the choosing. When he finds him, he’ll appoint him leader of his people. And all because you didn’t keep your appointment with God!”

[I Samuel 13:13-14 – All quotes from The Message Bible unless otherwise noted]

SAUL DRIFTED! He began thinking on his own and exercising what seemed wise in his own eyes – and it eventually cost him his kingdom.

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The Charles Wesley hymn – “A Charge To Keep I Have” – comes to mind: 

A charge to keep I have,
a God to glorify,
a never-dying soul to save,
and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill,

O may it all my pow'rs engage

to do my Master's will!

Arm me with watchful care

as in Thy sight to live,

and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare

a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

and still on Thee rely,

O let me not my trust betray,

but press to realms on high.

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Most loving, kind and gracious God:

Father, Son and Holy Spirit:

 

Out of Your Benevolence You have given us:

free will,

creative minds,

and self-motivation.

 

As a result, we are prone to use these gifts to advance Your purposes

and to address the day-to-day problems and situations that crop up!

 

Gradually, we are pushing forward without having consulted with You

or listened to see if You have any guidance for us!

 

Like Saul, we’re operating on automatic pilot as though we are completely capable of solving all of our problems on our own!

 

Thank You for Your patience with us at times like this!

Thank You for being so willing to forgive!

Thank You for allowing us to realign ourselves with You and continue on our journey through life in community with You and others of like mind!

 

Our walk with You brings us JOY!

AMEN!