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Combating Spiritual Drift

TJ
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From time to time we are all faced with circumstances, thoughts, or people, that force us to question what we believe. For some, it is a trial in life that sets a person on his heels and secretly (or openly) causes him to wonder if God really exists...and if He does, is He really a loving God? For others, it is a series of nagging thoughts or questions that just never seem to be satisfied. "Does the doctrine of election teach that God created some people who are predestined to go to Hell?" "Is Jesus really the only way to Salvation?" Still, for others, it is a person of another Faith (or no Faith at all) who knows just the right questions to stump the believer about his Bible knowledge. There are many opportunities for Satan to derail a Christian, but this is nothing new. The Bible is filled with examples of Christians who were tempted to leave the Faith. In fact, Adam and Eve's original sin has far more to do with man questioning the legitimacy of God than simple disobedience.


The book of Colossians provides an encouraging example of how to combat the Spiritual drift than can take place as one is pulled away from a true knowledge of the Bible. In short, this book is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church at Colossae. But, this is not just any letter. It is a response to the desperate concern of the church's leader, Epaphras. Although the church at Colossae had not fallen away, heresy was sweeping the land and Epaphras feared the church would turn away from the Truth. So, he traveled a great distance to seek help from the Apostle Paul. The book of Colossians is Paul's response the the concern of Epaphras. It is, in fact, an appeal to stand firm in the Faith (Colossians 1:23).

So, what did Paul encourage the Colossians to do? Avoid sinning? Go to church more frequently? Pray more? While he does encourage all of these, the Apostle Paul does not begin by challenging the Colossians to do more. Instead, he spends a significant amount of time directing their attention to the supremacy of Christ. After all, He is the Creator, Sustainer, and everything that is exists is because of and for Him (Colossians 1:16-17)!

Are you experiencing Spiritual drift today? The Apostle Paul is clear that the remedy is Christ. Spend some time getting to the Jesus of the Bible. When you develop a proper view of Him, you will find that your questions, circumstances, and doubts suddenly become smaller as Christ becomes larger. Why not start by reading the book of Colossians? Pray that God will soften your heart and receive His Word in humility. After all, only He can maintain your Spiritual heading.

One Response so far.

  1. Terry says:
    January 25, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    Whether we face trials, troubles, suffering, sin, or heresy, we must stand firm like Paul. Who encouraged Epaphras while he himself sat in prison! Paul viewed his problems as "light and momentary." (2 Corinthians 4:17) He lived for the next world because he learned to be satisfied in God alone! Paul had a BIG view of God and a small view of his problems.

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